A recent warning from a U.S. special operations group has heightened concerns about potential domestic terrorism linked to President Joe Biden's handling of the southern border. The group argues that the lax border security poses a significant threat to national security, allowing possible terrorists to enter the country unnoticed.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has noted that the risk of both foreign and domestic terrorism remains high, largely due to individuals radicalized within the United States. FBI Director Christopher Wray confirmed this during a House Homeland Security Committee hearing, highlighting the elevated threat level following recent conflicts in the Middle East.
“The New York Times was wrong… they were running interference for Joe Biden.”@GovRonDeSantis responds to @seanhannity’s question about the NYTs “fact checking” him on terrorists crossing our southern border.
Check out his complete response: https://t.co/s74CGHUXOv pic.twitter.com/7FNxqywWjw
— Jeremy Redfern (@JeremyRedfernFL) June 13, 2024
Republican lawmakers have been vocal about the dangers of the current border policies. During a hearing, Representative Mark Green described this period as "one of the most dangerous times in the history of the United States," citing the open and lawless border as a primary concern. Green pointed out that the border crisis has enabled violent Mexican cartels to profit immensely while allowing potential terrorists to infiltrate the country .
The apprehension of individuals on the terrorist watchlist at the southern border further underscores these concerns. In the last fiscal year, there were 169 encounters with individuals flagged as potential threats. Despite these alarming figures, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has faced criticism for not detaining all such individuals. Mayorkas defended the policies, stating that only those deemed necessary for public safety are detained.
UPDATE: He's been identified.
Movsum Samadov is the chairman of the Azerbaijan Islamic Party and a convicted terrorist.
He illegally crossed the border into Texas.
How many more like him are here? https://t.co/vL2IUGGKwg pic.twitter.com/TxDCisXmNq
— ⚜️💎 Queen Katerina💎⚜️ (@QueenDarbyy) January 27, 2024
Senator Tom Cotton also emphasized the gravity of the situation, labeling the open border as the "gravest terrorist threat to the homeland in years." He referenced incidents where migrants with ties to terrorist organizations, such as ISIS, attempted to enter the U.S. via the southern border, further fueling the debate on immigration and national security.
Adding to the controversy, a recent DHS threat assessment indicated that the agency is aware of the vulnerabilities associated with the current border security situation. This assessment acknowledged the potential for terrorist organizations to exploit these weaknesses, although no credible evidence currently supports widespread infiltration by these groups.
The border issue has not only sparked concerns about terrorism but also about the broader implications for national security. The influx of illegal immigrants, coupled with the potential for criminals and terrorists to enter the country, poses a complex challenge for law enforcement and policymakers. With nearly 1.7 million "gotaways" — individuals who have crossed the border without being apprehended — the scale of the problem is substantial and demands urgent attention.
As the debate continues, it is clear that securing the southern border is not just a matter of immigration policy but a critical component of protecting the homeland from diverse and evolving threats. The ongoing scrutiny and calls for more stringent measures reflect the high stakes involved in maintaining national security in an increasingly volatile world.
