In a tense exchange on ABC's "This Week," Martha Raddatz confronted Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas about the effectiveness of President Biden's actions on the border. Raddatz highlighted the significant increase in migrant apprehensions and questioned whether these actions could truly be considered a success.

Raddatz reminded Mayorkas of his previous statement, made in a 2021 interview, where he confidently claimed that the administration had a plan to address migration and would succeed in executing it. However, Raddatz pointed out that since then, 6.5 million migrants have been apprehended along the southern border, making it difficult to label the situation as a success.

Mayorkas defended the Biden administration, emphasizing the need for congressional action in addressing migration, as it is a dynamic phenomenon experienced not only by the United States but also by other countries. He stated that progress was being made, citing a new policy that temporarily suspends the entry of non-citizens when the average daily border encounters exceed 2,500 over seven days.

Raddatz expressed skepticism, questioning whether the goal of having an average of 1,500 or fewer encounters over 14 days could realistically be achieved. Mayorkas responded by explaining that they were actively working towards reducing the number of encounters and ensuring communication about lawful pathways throughout the region.

The discussion also touched on the timing of the Biden administration's actions, with Raddatz questioning why they waited four months after the bipartisan border deal fell apart in Congress. Mayorkas countered, stating that the bipartisan deal had been rejected twice, leading them to develop and implement the current strategy, which has already secured cooperation from other countries.

Bringing up potential legal challenges, Raddatz mentioned that the ACLU has pledged to sue the administration over the policy, likening it to a Trump-era approach. Mayorkas disagreed with the ACLU's assertions and anticipated legal action, reiterating the importance of congressional cooperation in addressing the border issue.

As the discussion between Raddatz and Mayorkas highlighted, the issue of border security and immigration remains a contentious topic. With continued scrutiny from both media and advocacy groups, the Biden administration faces ongoing challenges in finding effective solutions while upholding humanitarian values.