Record number of illegal immigrants on FBI terror watchlist apprehended at US-Mexico border.
The Biden Administration’s Border Policies Face Criticism as Record Number of Terror Watchlist Immigrants Apprehended
The Biden administration’s border policies have once again come under fire after border officials announced a staggering number of illegal immigrants on the FBI’s terror watchlist were apprehended in the past year. According to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) statistics, 18 individuals on the federal terrorist watchlist were encountered at the southern border in September alone, bringing the total to 169 such encounters in fiscal year 2023. This marks the highest annual number since the establishment of Border Patrol in 1924, surpassing the previous records of 98 in fiscal year 2022 and 15 in fiscal year 2021.
When including illegal immigrants on the FBI terror watchlist apprehended at the northern border, the total for fiscal year 2023 reaches 172. This alarming number has raised concerns among Republicans, who warn about the vulnerability of the United States to a terrorist attack. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) emphasized the need to secure the border, citing the recent attack on Israel as a warning.
“Open borders make us less safe and vulnerable to terrorism. We can’t allow terrorists to sneak into our country and do us harm,” wrote Representative Chuck Fleischmann (R-Tenn.).
Since the Hamas attack on October 7, over 1,400 people have been killed in Israel. The Israel-Hamas war has claimed the lives of more than 4,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
Representative Eli Crane (R-Ariz.), a member of the Homeland Security Committee, criticized the lack of concern for American safety shown by the current Oval Office occupant.
Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) highlighted the challenges posed by the “gotaway” population, referring to illegal immigrants who have evaded capture. He expressed concerns about the unknown number of individuals on the terrorist watchlist who may have successfully entered the country.
Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens revealed that over 18,000 illegal immigrants had evaded border patrol officials since the start of fiscal year 2024. The identities and intentions of these individuals remain unknown, emphasizing the need for increased border security.
‘Greater Risk Than Any Time Since 9/11’
Recent news reports have revealed that customs and border officials have apprehended individuals from Iran, Lebanon, and Syria at the southern border in Texas. This alarming situation has led to growing concerns about the risk of a terrorist attack. Additionally, CBP reported a record high of 269,735 illegal immigrants crossing the southern border in September alone, bringing the total number of encounters for fiscal year 2023 to 2.47 million.
In fiscal year 2022, there were 2.3 million encounters at the U.S.-Mexico border, 1.7 million in fiscal year 2021, and 458,088 in fiscal year 2020.
Furthermore, CBP reported a significant increase in fentanyl seizures, with over 27,000 pounds seized in fiscal year 2023 compared to 14,600 pounds in fiscal year 2022. The agency noted that fentanyl seizures have risen by more than 800% since fiscal year 2019.
Mexican cartels have been obtaining precursor chemicals from China to produce fentanyl and distribute the finished products in the United States.
President Joe Biden has requested over $105 billion in funding from Congress, with a portion allocated for border protection. The funds would be used to hire additional border patrol agents and asylum officers.
Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.) criticized the inadequacy of Biden’s border request, emphasizing the importance of enforcing the law and securing the border. He highlighted the risk of terrorists taking advantage of the porous border and urged immediate action.
Dan Stein, president of the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), issued a statement in response to the CBP data, warning that the risk of a terrorist attack against the American people is now greater than at any time since September 11, 2001. He called on Congress to regain control over immigration policy, reverse the open-borders approach, and focus on removing individuals who have entered the country illegally.
How has the Biden administration’s lenient approach to immigration enforcement contributed to the current border crisis?
The apprehension of individuals on the terror watchlist at the southern border raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of the Biden administration’s border policies. Critics argue that the lack of strong border control measures has created a vulnerability that allows individuals with potential ties to terrorism to gain entrance into the United States.
The Biden administration has been criticized for its lenient approach to immigration enforcement, which opponents claim has incentivized illegal immigration and contributed to the current border crisis. The record number of encounters with individuals on the terror watchlist only further underscores these concerns.
Border security has long been a contentious issue in the United States, with policymakers and citizens alike grappling with the balance between welcoming immigrants and ensuring national security. While advocates of more open immigration policies argue that stricter border control measures are unnecessary and may be discriminatory, others contend that a strong and secure border is essential for maintaining the safety and sovereignty of the nation.
The apprehension of 169 individuals on the terror watchlist within a single fiscal year raises questions about the effectiveness of current border control measures. It highlights the need for a comprehensive review and potential adjustment of the Biden administration’s border policies to prevent individuals with potential ties to terrorism from entering the country undetected.
In response to the criticism, the Biden administration has emphasized its commitment to national security and the screening of individuals entering the country. White House press secretary Jen Psaki stated that the administration takes the threat of individuals on the terror watchlist seriously and is continuously working to improve border security measures.
However, critics argue that the current policies and practices in place are inadequate and insufficient to effectively address the border crisis. They call for stronger enforcement measures, increased resources for border patrol agents, and stricter screening protocols for individuals seeking entry into the United States.
Ultimately, the issue of border security and immigration enforcement is complex, involving various legal, humanitarian, and national security considerations. Finding a balance between welcoming immigrants and protecting the nation from potential threats remains a challenge for any administration.
As the Biden administration faces increasing criticism over its border policies and the record number of encounters with individuals on the terror watchlist, it is crucial for policymakers to reassess and strengthen border control measures to ensure the safety and security of the United States.
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