"Mayorkas defends approval of border wall construction amid backlash"

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas defended the Biden administration's decision to approve the construction of border walls along the U.S.-Mexico border, stating that they were bound by law to follow through with the project. Mayorkas emphasized that the administration's position on border walls has not changed and that they remain committed to finding alternative solutions. The decision to waive federal laws to expedite construction sparked controversy and criticism from various groups, including environmental activists, migrant advocates, Democratic lawmakers, and Mexico's president. Conservatives viewed the move as a reversal of President Biden's campaign promise not to build more border walls. Mayorkas clarified that the decision did not signify a change in policy and that the administration was legally obligated to use allocated funds for border barrier construction.