Mayorkas: Over 85% of Illegal Immigrants Released Into U.S.

Plus: Scorsese to Direct A Life of Jesus

Mayorkas: Over 85% of Illegal Immigrants Released Into U.S.

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas admitted to Border Patrol agents that over 85% of illegal immigrants apprehended at the southern border are being released into the U.S., according to sources of Fox News. Mayorkas made the acknowledgment during a private meeting in Eagle Pass, Texas, after being asked about his previous statement to Bret Baier on “Special Report” that over 70% are released daily.

More from Fox News:

The remarks come just two days before the House Homeland Security Committee holds its first impeachment hearing, featuring multiple state attorneys general who will testify about the impact the crisis has had on their states.

The hearing on Wednesday marks the first impeachment hearing after a year of investigations and reports by the House Homeland Security Committee which looked at the handling of the nearly three-year migrant crisis.

Republicans have blamed the historic migrant crisis, which saw 302,000 migrant encounters last month alone on Biden-era policies, including the releases of migrants into the interior -- dubbed "catch-and-release." They have pointed to the broad use of parole, as well as narrowed ICE enforcement and the stopping of wall construction.

Mayorkas attributed the high release rate to a broken system, urging Congress for funding and immigration reform. Of course, we all know this is not a “broken system” they actually want to fix.

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Wellness Wednesday

The CDC reported a surge in respiratory illnesses in over a dozen U.S. states, with data indicating a “very high” spread rate. Figures from the week ending on Dec. 23 revealed a 12% increase in ER visits and a 17% rise in hospitalizations for respiratory illnesses. BestLife reported that experts warn of a potential post-holiday spike. The article listed several states on the watch list for increased respiratory illness activity, including Alabama, California, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

An occasional feature independently compiled by BRIGHT and sponsored by The Wellness Company. Check out their immunity system collection here. Use code BRIGHT for 10% off.