WASHINGTON (WV News) — The U.S. Senate on Wednesday dismissed the impeachment charges against Alejandro Mayorkas, Cabinet secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

The votes fell along party lines, with one charge dismissed on a 51-48 vote — with one Republican voting present — and another on a 51-49 vote.

U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., issued a statement explaining his decision to vote to dismiss the charges.

“Illegal immigration across our southern border is the most dangerous threat facing our country today, and President Biden is responsible for allowing the situation to get out-of-hand,” he said. “However, my Republican friends in Congress also bear the responsibility of making it worse by refusing to even vote for one of the strongest, most sensible border security bills in decades that was endorsed by the 18,000 Border Patrol agents fighting every day to secure our country.”

Manchin said that the purpose of impeachment is not to punish wrongdoing, but to “preserve our constitutional government by removing treacherous and unfit officials from positions of public trust.”

“Neither of the articles of impeachment against Secretary Mayorkas alleged any corruption, bribery, or any other crime,” he said. “Instead, the House of Representatives sought to impeach a Cabinet official over a policy disagreement with the president.

“I voted to dismiss the articles of impeachment against Secretary Mayorkas to avoid setting the dangerous precedent that this solemn process could be weaponized again against future Administration officials to score cheap political points.”

Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., expressed disappointment with Senate Democrats for the unprecedented move.

“It is the constitutional duty given to the U.S. Senate to try all impeachments,” Capito said. “That’s why the Senate has held some form of a trial for every impeachment in our history, unless the federal officer resigned prior to a trial. This time should have been no different.

“I am disappointed in Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats for their inability to follow the Senate rules. It is truly unprecedented. Even the presiding officer, Democrat Senator Patty Murray, said this move would set a precedent, which could have long-term ramifications.”

Capito has been a staunch advocate for the impeachment trial and has long been critical of the Biden Administration’s immigration policies, which she sees as exacerbating an already dire situation at the country’s border with Mexico.

“Secretary Mayorkas has repeatedly failed to uphold the law and secure our southern border. The actions by all Democrats to prevent the Senate from holding a trial and hearing evidence is not only unconscionable, it’s a disservice to the American people who elected us to do our jobs and uphold our constitutional duty.”