In a recent development, officials confirmed that some of the eight Tajikistan nationals with alleged ties to ISIS who crossed the southern border illegally have already been deported from the United States, while others are in detention awaiting removal. These individuals entered the U.S. illegally and were initially processed without any derogatory information being flagged by border officials. Coordinated raids in Los Angeles, New York, and Philadelphia by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in collaboration with the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Joint Terrorism Task Force led to their apprehension. The case raised concerns about potential terror threats entering the U.S. through the southern border during a period of increased border crossings.
A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson confirmed that the affected individuals had been detained in June and had remained in ICE custody since then. Some have already been removed from the U.S., while others are awaiting their removal process. The successful collaboration between DHS and FBI was highlighted as instrumental in disrupting and dismantling potential national security threats. CBS News reported that three individuals had been deported to Tajikistan and Russia, four were awaiting removal flights to Central Asia, and one was still undergoing legal proceedings due to a medical issue. These actions are part of ongoing efforts to prevent potential terror attacks on U.S. soil.
Amid continued fears of terror attacks, FBI Director Christopher Wray expressed concerns about the possibility of coordinated attacks similar to previous incidents involving ISIS-K. The Biden administration has been emphasizing efforts to remove or prevent the entry of illegal immigrants into the U.S., with numbers decreasing following the signing of a presidential order limiting asylum in June. Since June 5, officials have removed or returned over 131,000 individuals to more than 140 countries, including operating numerous international repatriation flights. However, challenges arise when host countries refuse to accept their nationals, complicating the process of returning illegal immigrants.
A report by the House Judiciary Committee revealed that over 1.7 million “special interest aliens” (SIAs) arrived at the border during the Biden administration. SIAs hail from countries identified by the U.S. government as potential sources of terrorism or national security threats. The administration’s efforts to address this issue have focused on preventing illegal immigration and removing individuals with potential ties to terror groups. With the November presidential election approaching, the administration continues to emphasize its commitment to safeguarding the U.S. from potential threats, including those posed by illegal immigration. The collaboration between DHS and FBI remains crucial in identifying and addressing national security risks.
Overall, the deportation of Tajikistan nationals with alleged ties to ISIS from the U.S. highlights the ongoing efforts to address potential terror threats entering the country through illegal immigration. The successful collaboration between law enforcement agencies in detaining and removing these individuals underscores the importance of preventive measures in protecting national security. As concerns about potential terrorist attacks persist, officials continue their efforts to prevent illegal immigration and facilitate the removal of individuals with potential ties to terror groups. The Biden administration’s emphasis on addressing national security risks associated with illegal immigration reflects ongoing challenges in managing border security and protecting the U.S. from external threats.
