Jordan Directs Garland, Mayorkas to Preserve Records Before Departure

Jim Jordan, the House Judiciary Commitee chairman, has issued a directive to Attorney General Merrick Garland and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to secure and preserve their records concerning border management as their tenure draws to a close next year.

This measure seeks to ensure accountability and transparency regarding federal immigration law enforcement under the Biden-Harris administration, as Just the News reports, and Jordan's formal request targets records retention as part of a broader congressional inquiry.

The instructions were handed down on Friday, focusing specifically on the preservation of communications, documents, and other pertinent information related to the enforcement of immigration laws.

Concerns Over Possible Document Purge

There is a concern from Jordan and the committee that the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security may not retain necessary documentation after Garland and Mayorkas leave office. The preservation of these records is crucial for ongoing investigations into the administration's immigration policies and practices.

“This letter serves as a formal request to preserve all existing and future records and materials related to the Biden-Harris Administration’s enforcement of federal immigration law,” Jordan stated in his directive.

He further emphasized the importance of these documents being safeguarded from destruction or alteration, whether intentional or accidental, highlighting the gravity of the congressional inquiry.

Expansion of Record Preservation Requests

Last week, similar directives were sent to other major federal agencies, including the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), indicating a widespread initiative by the committee to ensure compliance and proper record-keeping across various departments.

The sweeping request underscores the Judiciary Committee's commitment to thorough oversight and examination of federal agency operations, especially concerning immigration law enforcement.

Jordan's instructions detail the need for all departments involved to "take all reasonable steps to prevent the destruction or alteration, whether intentionally or negligently, of all documents, communications, and other information that are or may be responsive to this congressional inquiry," as stated in his preservation notice.

Implications for Biden-Harris Administration

The request from the House Judiciary Chairman arrives at a pivotal moment as the Biden-Harris administration faces scrutiny over its handling of border security and immigration reform. The preservation of these records is seen as a step toward greater transparency and accountability in how these critical policies are implemented and enforced.

The proactive measures to secure documents before the departure of key administration officials could play a significant role in shaping the public's understanding and the legislative oversight of immigration policies.

As the administration prepares for the transition of Garland and Mayorkas, the focus remains on safeguarding the documentation that will provide insights into the management and challenges of federal immigration enforcement during their tenure.