Alejandro Mayorkas isn't at the helm of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) anymore. That might feel like old news to some, but for those who followed the relentless headlines of the last few years, the silence is a bit jarring. He’s gone. Specifically, he stepped down on January 20, 2025, marking the end of one of the most contentious tenures in the history of the department.
If you're looking for him in a government office today, you're out of luck.
The Current Status of Alejandro Mayorkas
So, where is Mayorkas now in early 2026? Honestly, he’s back in the private sector, likely breathing a huge sigh of relief. After four years of dodging impeachment attempts and managing a border crisis that never seemed to quit, Mayorkas has largely retreated from the public eye. He hasn't disappeared off the face of the earth, but he’s definitely not looking for another Senate confirmation anytime soon.
✨ Don't miss: South Windsor CT Obituaries: Why Finding Local Notices Is Changing
He’s currently living as a private citizen. Based on his history, he’s likely returned to the world of high-stakes law and strategic consulting. Think about it—this is a guy who was a partner at WilmerHale and O’Melveny & Myers before he joined the Biden administration. Those firms love a former Cabinet secretary. They pay for that kind of "been in the room" experience.
Why he left DHS
His departure wasn't a surprise. It was a standard transition. When the administration changed in January 2025, Mayorkas made way for the new guard. He was succeeded by Kristi Noem, who has since taken the department in a wildly different direction.
While Noem is currently dealing with her own set of impeachment threats and controversies in 2026, Mayorkas is likely watching it all from a comfortable office in D.C. or California.
A Career Defined by "Firsts" and Friction
You can't talk about where Mayorkas is now without looking at the baggage he carried out of the building. He was the first Latino and the first immigrant to lead DHS. That’s a big deal. He came to the U.S. as a refugee from Cuba, which gave him a unique perspective on the very immigration systems he eventually ran.
But man, the friction was constant.
- The Impeachment: In 2024, he became only the second Cabinet member in U.S. history to be impeached by the House. The charges? "Willful and systemic refusal to comply with the law."
- The Senate Trial (or lack thereof): The Senate basically laughed it off, dismissing the charges in a 51-49 vote without a full trial. They called the charges unconstitutional.
- The Policy Shift: He was the face of the "humane" immigration approach, which critics argued was just a green light for record-breaking border encounters.
Life after the spotlight
Transitioning from the 24/7 stress of national security to private life is a trip. Most former secretaries spend their first year doing the "speaking circuit." In March 2025, for instance, he showed up at Harvard’s Institute of Politics for a forum. He talked about the "lessons learned" and the state of immigration policy.
It was vintage Mayorkas: calm, measured, and perhaps a little defensive about his record.
He’s also a big family man. He’s been married to his wife, Tanya, for years, and they have two daughters. After years of 14-hour workdays and being the GOP's favorite punching bag, he’s probably catching up on a lot of missed dinners.
What Most People Get Wrong About His Exit
There’s a common misconception that he was fired or forced out by the impeachment. That’s just not true. He finished his term. He served until the very last day of the Biden presidency.
👉 See also: Where Is The Smoke Coming From In Arizona Today: What You're Actually Seeing
People also forget that he wasn't just "the border guy." He was in charge of:
- Cybersecurity (CISA): He actually did a lot of heavy lifting here to protect infrastructure.
- FEMA: Dealing with the increasing frequency of natural disasters.
- The Secret Service: Which, let's be real, had its own share of headaches during his time.
What's Next for the Former Secretary?
Don't expect a memoir immediately. Those take time to ghostwrite. However, keep an eye on the boards of major tech or security companies. Former DHS heads are highly sought after for corporate board seats because they understand risk management better than almost anyone.
If you’re tracking his movements for 2026, look toward:
💡 You might also like: Why the 57 North Freeway Accident Patterns Keep Happening
- Legal Consulting: Returning to a firm like WilmerHale as a "Senior Counsel" or "Partner."
- Academic Fellowships: Visiting professorships at places like Berkeley (his alma mater) or Georgetown.
- Think Tanks: Joining the Council on Foreign Relations or a similar body to influence policy from the outside.
Basically, Alejandro Mayorkas is doing exactly what most high-level bureaucrats do after a grueling term: cashing in on his expertise and staying away from the microphones. He’s traded the stress of the border for the quiet hum of a private law office.
Actionable Insights for Following Post-Cabinet Careers
If you're interested in keeping tabs on former officials like Mayorkas, here’s how to do it without falling for "fake news" or outdated reports:
- Check the Federal Register: This won't show his new job, but it confirms the official end dates of his authorities.
- Monitor Law Firm Press Releases: This is where the "Where are they now" announcements usually happen. Big firms love to brag about hiring former secretaries.
- Follow University Event Calendars: Schools like Harvard, Stanford, and Yale are the primary venues where former officials test out their "post-game" narratives.
- Review Financial Disclosures: If he ever returns to public service in any capacity, he'll have to file a new Form 278, which will list every single penny he earned in the private sector during 2025 and 2026.
Mayorkas is currently enjoying the one thing he couldn't have for four years: anonymity. He's no longer the guy responsible for the border; he's just a lawyer in a suit, likely making a lot more money with a lot less gray hair.