Former homeland security officials are criticizing the Biden administration for not issuing a national terror threat bulletin for over a year, despite potential terror threats stemming from the southern border. This criticism comes after the arrest of eight individuals from Tajikistan believed to have links to the ISIS terror organization and several instances of migrants whose names appear on the terror watchlist being accidentally released. Former officials argue that these incidents warrant a terrorism alert to the public.
The last national terrorism alert issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was on May 5, 2023, concerning domestic extremist violence, which expired in November of the same year. Former acting Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Mark Morgan believes that the current chaos and lawlessness at the border justifies a new alert due to the threat posed by potential terrorists crossing the border illegally. Former officials question why there has not been a new National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin issued given the elevated threat level recognized by the federal government.
FBI Director Chris Wray has publicly warned about elevated threat levels within the US and has raised concerns about potential coordinated attacks following an ISIS-K attack in Moscow by citizens of Tajikistan. Wray has also highlighted concerns about human smuggling operations at the southern border with ties to terrorists from ISIS-affiliated groups. Former law enforcement officials are calling for increased vigilance and action to protect the American people from potential terrorist threats.
Border Patrol agents have apprehended more than 52,000 migrants of “special interest” due to national security concerns, including terror ties to their countries. The number of migrants caught with suspected terror ties has surged under the Biden administration, with 362 individuals on the terror watchlist apprehended at the southern border between 2021 and April 2024. This marks a significant increase compared to the previous years, raising concerns about the security of the border and the potential threats posed.
Recent events have highlighted vulnerabilities, including the release of suspected terrorists at the border and the attempted breach of US military bases by illegal migrants. Incidents involving individuals from Tajikistan planning a bomb attack, Jordanian nationals attempting to ram a military base, and the presence of the violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua in major American cities have raised concerns about national security. Such incidents underscore the need for increased vigilance and stronger border security measures to prevent potential terrorist threats.
Former officials are calling for the Biden administration to take action to protect the American people from potential terror threats emanating from the southern border. Increased surveillance and vetting procedures for migrants, as well as improved coordination between intelligence agencies and law enforcement, are suggested as measures to enhance national security. The lack of a new National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin and the release of individuals with suspected terror ties highlight the need for stronger measures to safeguard the country against potential terrorist threats.
