WASHINGTON — Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas tested positive for Covid-19 on Tuesday, a department spokesperson said.
Mayorkas "tested positive this morning for the COVID-19 virus after taking a test as part of routine pre-travel protocols," Marsha Espinosa, a spokeswoman for the Department of Homeland Security, said in a statement Tuesday.
Espinosa said Mayorkas, who is fully vaccinated, is experiencing only mild congestion. Under health guidelines, he will isolate and work at home as he recovers.
Mayorkas, the first Latino and immigrant DHS secretary, was sworn in in February. He has dealt with, among other issues, the rise in crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border.
He is scheduled to appear as a witness before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday to testify about the oversight of DHS. It is unclear whether he had been expected to appear virtually or in person or whether the testimony will proceed as scheduled.
