Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) is demanding answers from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) over its handling of Vice President Kamala Harris’ role as “border czar,” amid concerns of potential ethical violations. Gaetz’s request stems from a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request initiated by the Heritage Oversight Project, which sought unredacted correspondence referring to Harris as the “border czar.” The DHS initially denied the request, citing its broad scope, and White House official Ian Sams reportedly intervened to block the release of the documents.
Gaetz Presses DHS for Unredacted Documents in Harris ‘Border Czar’ Controversy
In a letter to DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Gaetz described Sams’ actions as part of a “cover-up” for Harris while Sams was transitioning to her campaign team. Gaetz called this behavior “shady” and suggested it may violate the Hatch Act and other ethics rules. He has requested unredacted copies of all related correspondence by Oct. 25, pushing for greater transparency and accountability.
Ian Sams Accused of Cover-Up in Blocking ‘Border Czar’ Correspondence
The controversy arises as Harris, who was tasked by President Biden in March 2021 with addressing the root causes of mass migration from Central and South America, has been widely referred to as the “border czar” by media outlets. However, the Biden administration denies that this was an official title for Harris, despite its frequent use by critics and the press.
Heritage Foundation Sues DHS Over FOIA Denial on Harris Immigration Role
Gaetz’s letter emphasizes the need for DHS to clarify Harris’ role and disclose how government resources were utilized in managing the border crisis. He argues that the American people deserve to know the truth about Harris’ involvement in immigration issues, especially given her current candidacy for the presidency. Harris’ immigration record has become a central topic in her White House bid, with Republicans using the “border czar” label as a cornerstone of their attacks.
Kamala Harris’ Immigration Record Under Scrutiny as GOP Intensifies Criticism
The Heritage Foundation has also filed a lawsuit against DHS, demanding transparency on the matter. According to their FOIA request, the DHS declined to release documents due to the request’s scope, a move that has fueled further skepticism about the administration’s handling of Harris’ role in immigration policy.
Ben Bergquam and Matt Gaetz Discuss Border Crisis Amid Trump Rally Tour
Adding to the growing tension, Real America’s Voice correspondent Ben Bergquam, host of Law and Border, recently encountered Rep. Gaetz in an airport as both crisscrossed the country following rallies for President Trump. Trump, who has made border security a central issue in his campaign, continues to dominate the conversation on immigration, highlighting the urgency of resolving the ongoing border crisis.
Gaetz Suggests Potential Hatch Act Violations in Handling of Border Czar Duties
Gaetz’s demand for answers from DHS reflects growing concerns among Republicans regarding transparency and ethics in the administration’s handling of immigration policy, particularly Harris’ role as “border czar.” He asserts that Sams’ involvement in blocking the release of records while moving to Harris’ campaign team might constitute a breach of the Hatch Act, which restricts government employees from engaging in political activities in their official capacities.
VP Harris Faces Renewed GOP Attacks as She Launches Presidential Bid
Harris’ handling of immigration, particularly her designation as “border czar,” has been a focal point of GOP criticism throughout her tenure. The controversy over her role comes at a critical time, as she campaigns for the presidency after President Biden opted not to seek re-election. Republicans are using her perceived failure to control the border crisis as a key talking point against her.
Gaetz Sets October 25 Deadline for DHS to Produce Unredacted ‘Border Czar’ Emails
As the October 25 deadline approaches, Gaetz continues to push for DHS to comply with his request for unredacted documents. He remains adamant that the American public deserves full transparency on Harris’ role in managing the border crisis and how government resources were used in this capacity. With the looming deadline, the debate surrounding Harris’ immigration record and her role as “border czar” is likely to escalate.