The senator's remarks came amid his questioning of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on April 10.

Mr. Kennedy, noting the "bleeding" southern border, suggested that the secretary's border policies had an ulterior political motive.

"Isn't in fact, Mr. Secretary, that the number of illegal immigrants that you and the president allow into our country counts for congressional district reapportionment?" he asked.

"Senator, I'm not sure I understand your question, but I can surely share with you that I disagree with its phrasing," Mr. Mayorkas replied.

The senator continued:

"Isn't it true, Mr. Secretary, that the number of illegal immigrants that you and President Biden have allowed into our country counts for allocating electoral votes?"

Mr. Mayorkas repeated that he didn't understand the question. He then called the senator's insinuation "nothing short of preposterous" and "disrespectful" to administration and Department of Homeland Security personnel.

Mr. Kennedy, however, charged that the secretary was well aware of the political ramifications of the border crisis, unintended or otherwise.

"And you've done nothing for four years—zero, absolutely zilch. And, in fact, the only people I know in this country who are better off today than they were four years ago are illegal immigrants. And that's a result of your policy."