Sen. Josh Hawley clashes with Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas over pro-Hamas staffer Nejwa Ali
Mayorkas defended Ali’s suspension over social media controversy, citing an ongoing investigation
Case highlights debates over free speech limits and accountability in sensitive government roles
Josh Hawley lashes out at DHS Secretary Mayorkas
In a recent clash between Senator Josh Hawley and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, tensions over the hiring of Nejwa Ali, who is allegedly linked to pro-Hamas sentiments, reached a boiling point.
JUST IN: Senator Josh Hawley excoriates DHS Secretary Mayorkas for failing to take action against his pro-Hamas employee.
The incident came after Mayorkas called Hawley “despicable” after Hawley asked why the DHS was employing pro-terrorist people.
Mayorkas: “Your question to… pic.twitter.com/t4yrzNEmkb
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) October 31, 2023
Hawley strongly criticized Mayorkas for not taking appropriate action against Ali, who reportedly made contentious social media posts about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Mayorkas defended his handling of the personnel matter, citing an ongoing investigation and declining to release further details.
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Who is Nejwa Ali?
Nejwa Ali, who has been working at US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) since 2019, was placed on leave after the controversy. Ali’s professional background includes serving as an Adjudication Officer and Asylum Officer for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Their responsibilities here include evaluating immigration cases, interviewing applicants and their representatives, and ensuring compliance with immigration laws and regulations.
His LinkedIn profile showcases his involvement in various campaigns and contributions to the organization.
Ali’s social media activities attracted attention and led to increased scrutiny of his professional conduct after he posted content supporting Hamas’ attack on Israel. The controversy raised questions about the vetting process for employees in sensitive positions and sparked debate about the limits of free speech in the civil service context.
While Hawley emphasized the importance of accountability and transparency in government roles, Mayorkas defended the integrity of employees in his department, arguing that Ali’s views were not representative of the broader workforce. Mayorkas also expressed disapproval of Hawley’s aggressive stance, emphasizing the need for respectful discourse and acknowledging his own family history as a Holocaust survivor.
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