Senate committee approves Saldaña to lead ICE; Cruz and Cornyn vote no
WASHINGTON — Dallas-based U.S. Attorney Sarah Saldaña is one step closer to running Immigration and Customs Enforcement — though she’s likely in a tough fight.
The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 10-8 Wednesday to move Saldaña’s nomination to the full Senate floor. But Republicans on the committee, including Texas Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, opposed her nomination, setting up a potentially contentious confirmation process going forward. It’s unclear when the Dallas prosecutor will receive a floor vote.
Obama tapped Saldaña in August to lead ICE, a massive agency within the Department of Homeland Security. The post has been vacant for more than a year, partly a result of tension between President Barack Obama and congressional Republicans.
One of ICE’s main missions is to track down undocumented immigrants — by far its most politically delicate challenge. After Obama announced his executive action on immigration, which would shield about 5 million from deportation, the issue has taken on an even bigger focus.
Cornyn, who supported Saldaña’s nomination for U.S. Attorney in 2011, said in a statement that he was “troubled” by the Dallas prosecutor’s recent remarks on the president’s orders. Saldaña said she believes Obama’s executive action was legal.
“I cannot support her nomination to be our nation’s chief immigration enforcement officer until she explains her views before a full hearing in the Judiciary Committee,” Cornyn said.
The deputy GOP leader’s position signals a shift from his apparent support of Saldaña in September, when he introduced her at a confirmation hearing and praised her qualifications to helm ICE.
But the day before Obama unveiled his immigration orders on Nov. 20, Cornyn said that if Obama “set off a bomb,” she would have a much tougher time winning confirmation.
“She is an outstanding person and is actually a good choice for that job,” Cornyn said at the time.
On Tuesday, Cruz called Saldaña “another rubber stamp for illegal amnesty” in explaining his opposition to her nomination.
“Ms. Saldaña has made it clear in a written statement that as Assistant Secretary for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement she would enable President Obama’s unconstitutional amnesty,” Cruz said. “I do not support the President’s unconstitutional amnesty, and therefore, cannot vote for a nominee who will be another rubber stamp for illegal amnesty. I encourage my colleagues, especially those who oppose Obama’s amnesty, to oppose this nomination.”
The Senate’s Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs approved Saldaña’s nomination Nov. 12. ICE falls under the jurisdiction of that panel, along with the Judiciary Committee.
The agency also handles responsibilities including drug smuggling, human trafficking and cybersecurity.
To be confirmed, Saldaña must garner a majority vote in the full U.S. Senate. Saldaña, Texas’ first Latina attorney, would be the first Latina to helm ICE. As director of the agency, she would report to Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson.