Washington, 14 February 2024 (dpa/MIA) - The Republicans in the US House of Representatives have voted in favour of initiating impeachment proceedings against US Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas in their second attempt.

A narrow majority in the House voted in favour of impeachment proceedings Tuesday evening, 214-213.

However, such impeachment proceedings would have to be conducted and decided in the Senate, where the Democrats have a narrow majority and some Republicans have also expressed doubts about the efforts against Mayorkas.

It is therefore likely that the Senate will reject the impeachment request - and thus avoid impeachment proceedings.

Last week, House Republicans attempted to vote for impeachment, but failed because some Republicans decided against it. On Tuesday evening, several representatives were absent from the vote.

The necessary majority of votes cast was therefore somewhat smaller and was achieved this time.

Republicans have accused Mayorkas and US President Joe Biden's Democrats of being unable to protect the southern border with Mexico.

With regard to migration and border security, the Republicans accuse the Cuban-born secretary of wilfully and systematically refusing to comply with the law.

They also claim that the 64-year-old knowingly made false statements and put his political preferences above compliance with the law.

Photo: EPA