Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas contracted COVID-19 despite being fully vaccinated, his office said Tuesday.
Mayorkas, 61, has led the Biden administration’s US-Mexico border policy as the nation has seen a surge of asylum seekers this year who illegally crossed the border.
“Secretary Mayorkas tested positive this morning for the COVID-19 virus after taking a test as part of routine pre-travel protocols,” his spokeswoman Marsha Espinosa said in a statement to multiple news outlets.
“Secretary Mayorkas is experiencing only mild congestion; he is fully vaccinated and will isolate and work at home per CDC protocols and medical advice. Contact tracing is underway,” Espinosa said.
About 79 percent percent of US adults and more than 77 percent of people 12 and older have had at least one COVID-19 vaccine shot, according to CDC data. The more contagious Delta variant of the virus has resulted in lower vaccine efficacy and more breakthrough infections.
Former Secretary of State Colin Powell, 84, died this week after testing positive for COVID-19 despite also being vaccinated. He was being treated for blood cancer.
High-profile DC officials who have reported breakthrough cases include State Department spokesman Ned Price and Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC).
