Duval Times

Today, Senator Rick Scott criticized the Biden administration for not sending U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher Wray to a public hearing in the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (HSGAC). The hearing was intended to address threats to homeland security.

Senator Scott expressed his disapproval, stating, "In a dangerous and cowardly break from precedent, the Biden administration today refused to participate in the HSGAC annual threats hearing." He argued that the absence of Mayorkas and Wray prevents necessary accountability and transparency for the American people. Scott emphasized that this decision undermines the Senate's oversight role at a time when national threats are severe.

Scott continued by saying, "It’s clear that this administration’s failures have caused the American people to lose all trust in our federal government." He accused the administration of eroding public trust further by not attending the hearing. According to Scott, serious national security issues remain unaddressed due to what he described as administrative failures.

He also highlighted concerns about public safety and national security, referencing a Reuters poll where 25% of Americans identified immigration as a top issue for President Trump in his first 100 days. Scott pointed out ongoing problems at the border and rising violent crime rates under what he called a failed administration approach.

The senator listed several facts supporting his claims: reports of FEMA employees denying service based on political support; allegations against DHS for censoring Americans through Big Tech; attempted assassinations on President-elect Trump under Mayorkas' watch; and an ongoing border crisis leading to increased crime rates.

Data from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) showed nearly 650,000 criminal illegal aliens on ICE's Non-Detained Docket within U.S. communities. This includes thousands convicted or charged with serious crimes such as murder and sexual assault. Despite these figures, deportations have significantly decreased since February 2021.

Scott concluded by highlighting DHS Inspector General findings regarding over 320,000 unaccompanied migrant children lost track of after crossing into the United States, raising concerns about their vulnerability to exploitation.