Kamala won’t be happy about this.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is facing scrutiny over its communications regarding Vice President Kamala Harris, particularly her designation as the “border czar.” This comes in response to Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), who is demanding unredacted copies of emails that references this controversial title. Gaetz has set a deadline of October 25 for the release of these documents, which he believes are crucial for transparency regarding the Biden administration’s immigration policies.
Last month, Gaetz requested all relevant communications from the DHS, specifically targeting those that refer to Harris in her role. His demands are based on documents obtained through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request by the Heritage Oversight Project, which suggests that a White House official, Ian Sams, attempted to hinder the release of these materials. Gaetz expressed concern in a letter to DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, labeling Sams’ actions as “shady” and implying a potential conflict of interest, given that he was reportedly preparing to join Harris’s campaign shortly after engaging in this alleged cover-up.
The timing raises further questions about ethics, as Gaetz argues that Sams may have violated the Hatch Act, which restricts political activities of government employees. The DHS initially dismissed the Heritage Foundation’s FOIA request, claiming it was overly broad and lacked specificity. However, Gaetz countered that if Harris was not truly acting as the “border czar,” there should be no documents to produce.
Harris has faced ongoing criticism for her immigration record since she was appointed to address the root causes of mass migration from Central and South America in March 2021. Despite the Biden administration’s attempts to downplay the “border czar” title, it has become a focal point of GOP attacks, especially as Harris continues her campaign for the presidency.
As the October 25 deadline approaches, it remains to be seen whether the DHS will comply with Gaetz’s requests or if this situation will escalate further. The Republican base is eager for accountability and clarity on the administration’s handling of border security and immigration policy, making this a critical issue in the current political landscape.