Border arrests of individuals on the FBI terror watch list reach record high in a century.

Border Patrol Records Highest Number of Terrorists Caught Crossing US Borders

The ⁤Border Patrol has ‌reported a record-breaking⁣ number of known or suspected terrorists illegally ‌entering the United ​States from Mexico or ⁤Canada in the past​ year.⁤ According to new ​data released on Saturday,‍ more than 172 individuals were apprehended, marking the highest figure in national history.

This significant increase in terrorist crossings has raised concerns ‌among lawmakers from both the ⁤Democratic and Republican parties, particularly as‍ violence escalates‌ in the Middle East. It is ‍a stark contrast to the single-digit numbers seen during the Trump administration.

Border Security Task⁤ Force Established to Enhance Protection at US-Canada Border

In the‍ fiscal year between October 2022 and September​ 2023, federal law‌ enforcement⁢ agents made‌ approximately‍ 2,037,000 arrests at ⁤the southern border. Out of these arrests, 172 individuals were‍ identified as being on the Federal Bureau of Investigation terror watch list, also‍ known⁤ as the Terrorist Screening Database. This database contains⁣ thousands of names associated with ‌terrorist ‍activities.

The⁢ figure of 172 surpasses the previous‌ records of 98⁢ individuals in​ 2022 and ‍16 individuals in 2021, as reported‌ by U.S. Customs ​and Border Protection. This year’s arrests ⁢have exceeded ‍all previous records since the establishment of the Border Patrol in 1924.

Out of the total arrests, ‌169 occurred⁤ at the southern⁢ border, while only three took place ⁤at the U.S.-Canada border.

It is worth noting that‌ only 0.008% of⁤ the over 2 million⁢ arrested illegal immigrants this year ⁣were ​found ‍to be on the‍ terror watch list. Immigrant advocates argue⁢ that ‍this ⁣statistic ⁣highlights ⁤the exaggerated ‌nature ⁣of the issue.

While more individuals on the terror ⁤watch list⁢ were ⁤encountered ⁤at land,⁢ air, and ‌sea ports of⁣ entry,⁢ it is those ⁣who ​crossed illegally and attempted to ⁢evade ‍law enforcement that ⁤experts ‍find⁢ most concerning.

At ports of entry​ along the‌ northern border, authorities encountered 484 individuals on the terror watch list, while at crossings along ​the southern border, customs officers encountered 80 individuals.

The overwhelming situation ‍at the ‍southern‌ border has strained the⁤ 19,000-person⁤ Border Patrol. Due to a shortage of agents, many illegal immigrants ⁢have⁢ managed⁢ to enter‌ the country undetected,‍ as Mexican smuggling organizations, known as cartels, exploit the limited resources⁣ by diverting agents⁢ with⁣ people and drugs.

Members of Congress have expressed the urgent ⁣need​ to secure the U.S. border, particularly after witnessing ⁣militants from ⁣foreign terrorist organizations committing mass‍ atrocities​ after crossing the Israel-Gaza border.

Senator‍ Tom Cotton (R-AR) emphasized the seriousness of the threat,⁤ especially considering ⁤that ⁤1.5 million⁣ people⁢ have been observed ⁣illegally ​entering the country since President Joe Biden took ‌office. However, law enforcement has⁢ been unable to apprehend them, ⁤and as a result,​ these illegal immigrants cannot ‍be screened against⁤ U.S. criminal or terror records.

Representative Henry Cuellar⁣ (D-TX), as⁤ the ranking member on the House ⁢Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, has expressed a strong desire⁣ to ⁢prevent terrorists from entering the U.S. through⁢ the southern border. Congress has⁤ increased the budget⁤ for‍ U.S. Customs and Border Protection by 15% over the ​past two years to address this concern.

Despite these efforts, there ⁤are still concerns about the Border Patrol’s ability to⁢ thoroughly screen individuals encountered. A ⁣report from the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General ‌revealed that Border​ Patrol⁤ agents in ⁣Arizona had released an ⁢illegal immigrant on the FBI’s terror watch list into the country, leading to a weeks-long effort to locate and re-arrest the⁢ individual.

Transparency regarding these arrests has ⁤also been called ⁢into question. CBP had previously ⁢published press releases​ on its ⁤website when Border Patrol agents apprehended​ individuals on the terror watch ⁤list. However, this practice ⁤has⁤ ceased in the past ⁤two⁣ years, and CBP has not provided an explanation for this change.

FBI‍ Director Christopher ‌Wray testified before the Senate in August 2022, stating ‌that although there was no immediate threat from⁤ foreign terrorist organizations at the border, terrorists are constantly seeking vulnerabilities to exploit.

How might the ongoing violence in the Middle East contribute to an increase ⁤in individuals seeking entry ‍into the United States,⁢ and what steps can the ‍government take⁤ to⁣ address this concern?

Of Congress have recently ‍established a bipartisan⁢ Border Security Task⁤⁢ Force to ⁢address this issue ⁣and enhance protection at the U.S.-Canada border. The task force’s ​main objective is to review the current⁣ border security strategies and ‌make recommendations for ⁣improvement.

In addition to the increased number⁣ of⁤ known ⁣or suspected terrorists apprehended, there has also​ been a rise⁣ in the number of‍ illegal ⁣immigrants crossing the border. This poses a significant challenge to the Border‌ Patrol and other⁢ law⁣ enforcement agencies, as they are tasked with identifying potential threats and maintaining the integrity of the border.

Furthermore, there are concerns that the ongoing ​violence​ in the Middle East ‍may contribute to an even ​greater influx of individuals seeking entry into the United States. It is critical for the government to address this issue promptly and effectively to ensure national security.

Some experts argue‌ that the solution lies in strengthening border security measures and investing in technology and infrastructure to detect ​and deter illegal crossings. Others‍ suggest that addressing the root causes of migration, such as ⁤poverty, violence, and political instability, would help alleviate the pressure on border enforcement.

Moreover,⁢ cooperation with foreign governments and intelligence agencies is crucial in identifying and apprehending⁤ individuals on the terror watch list. Sharing information and collaborating on border security efforts can lead to more effective and efficient screening processes.

While⁣ the number of individuals‍ on the terror watch list crossing the​ border remains relatively small compared to the ​total​ number of arrests,⁣ it is ⁢nonetheless essential to prevent any ⁢potential threats from⁢ entering the country. Lawmakers must work together to​ find long-term solutions that prioritize ‍national security without compromising⁣ the ‍principles of compassion and fairness.

In conclusion, the⁤ Border Patrol’s⁤ highest number of terrorists caught crossing the U.S. borders reflects the increasingly complex challenges faced by law enforcement agencies. The rise in terrorist crossings raises concerns among lawmakers and highlights the need for improved‌ border security measures. It is crucial for the government to address this issue promptly ‍and effectively to ensure the​ safety and security of the United States.