Republican Rep. Chip Roy of Texas has called on DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to retain comprehensive records related to U.S. border security and immigration policies.

Rep. Roy's request aims to equip the incoming Trump administration with the necessary data to implement changes in border and immigration policies, with Mayorkas' records seen as key to determining what is required, as Fox News reports.

Roy, a prominent Republican figure, has officially requested that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), under Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, preserve extensive records on the U.S. border crisis.

This includes a wide range of documents and communications spanning from the inauguration of the Biden-Harris administration on Jan. 20, 2021, to the present day.

Detailed Information Sought by Roy

The scope of the information requested by Roy is broad, focusing on various aspects of border security and immigration.

Specific data sought include records on migrants who were released with court dates, details of their origins, last known locations, and those granted humanitarian parole or Temporary Protected Status.

Roy's interest extends to technological and procedural data, including the usage of the CBP One app, visa overstays, and visa fraud suspicions. He also seeks information on countries that have been recalcitrant in accepting their deported nationals.

Moreover, Roy has asked for particulars on Chinese nationals suspected of having ties to the Chinese Communist Party, organizations that have received DHS grants for migrant care, and the number of worksite enforcement investigations undertaken by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Context of Roy's Demand

This demand follows a notable year for Roy, who led an impeachment attempt against Secretary Mayorkas. Although the impeachment did not advance in the Senate, it highlighted ongoing tensions regarding immigration policies.

The incoming administration, with Donald Trump at the helm, is expected to make sweeping changes to these policies.

Former ICE Director Thomas Homan has been named as the border czar, and South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem is anticipated to be the next Secretary of DHS.

Moreover, a significant legislative move in this area, HR 2, a Republican border bill passed by the House in 2023, has yet to be addressed by the Senate, indicating ongoing legislative challenges.

DHS Responds to Preservation Request

In response to Roy's demands, a DHS spokesperson reiterated the department's commitment to compliance with federal record-keeping laws.

Officials stated, "DHS has and will continue to respond to congressional correspondence directly via official channels. The Department remains committed to following the law with respect to retaining federal records."

The spokesperson also emphasized the department's proactive approach in responding to congressional inquiries, noting numerous briefings, document responses, and hearing appearances that have occurred during Mayorkas' tenure.

Roy, highlighting the gravity of the situation, stated in his letter to Secretary Mayorkas, "During your tenure as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary, we have seen record-breaking illegal alien encounters at our borders, millions of aliens released into the interior, scores of criminals and other bad actors infiltrating our communities, endangering Americans and aliens alike."

The lawmaker continued, emphasizing the necessity of data preservation, "It is imperative DHS preserve any and all information related to the border crisis and mass influx of aliens into the interior so the incoming Trump administration can deliver on its mandate to undo the damage done."

The conversation around border security and immigration policies is likely to continue as these issues remain at the forefront of national security and humanitarian discussions.