50 migrants are still missing, as a group linked to ISIS has brought hundreds of people into the US, says the Biden administration.
In recent news, US officials have made over 150 arrests related to a smuggling network suspected of having ties to ISIS. These individuals have either been removed, placed in removal proceedings, or are undergoing additional screening. Concerns have been raised that some of them may match the terrorism watchlist, but there is no intelligence suggesting an imminent threat to the homeland.
Out of the 400 individuals involved in the network, the majority are not considered threats, with only a small number falling into that category. The network was identified due to connections to an organizer with links to the Islamic terror group, prompting authorities to act swiftly and assess the situation.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas clarified that it is inaccurate to claim that 400 migrants with potential ISIS ties have entered the US. He emphasized the importance of precision in dealing with facts and assured that individuals with such ties would be a top priority for detention and removal.
This revelation comes after eight Tajikistan nationals with ISIS connections were apprehended in major US cities having entered illegally from the southern border. While DHS does not consider it an ISIS terror operation, security measures have been heightened due to the individuals’ countries of origin.
In light of recent terror attacks by ISIS affiliates in Russia, DHS is closely monitoring migrants from Central Asia. Despite assurances of thorough vetting before their release, authorities concede that vetting can be challenging as some individuals arrive with little to no background information.
Concerns about the overall terrorist threat facing the US have been echoed by the Special Operations Association of America (SOAA), citing the lack of intelligence collection in certain regions and the potential threats posed by unsecured borders.
Former national security officials have also expressed alarm over the terrorist threat, highlighting the need for urgent action and awareness among the American public. The lack of vigilance and urgency in addressing these threats has raised apprehensions among experts and policymakers.
Republicans have attributed the smuggling network revelations to the Biden administration’s border policies, underscoring the need for tighter security measures and stricter enforcement to prevent such incidents in the future.
