Biden administration enforces limits on releasing migrants from Central Asian country due to terrorism fears: report
The Biden administration has imposed new restrictions on the release of migrants from at least one Central Asian country due to ongoing concerns about terrorism. According to a report by the New York Post, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been instructed not to release migrants from Tajikistan from custody, and if they are released, they must first undergo interviews with intelligence officials.
Last month, federal authorities arrested eight Tajikistan nationals with links to ISIS in New York City, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia. All eight individuals entered the country illegally through the southern border, and no derogatory information was identified during their initial processing. However, after their release, national security concerns were raised, including their ties to ISIS.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has uncovered over 400 individuals brought to the U.S. from Eastern European and Central Asian countries by an ISIS-affiliated smuggling network in recent months.
A senior DHS official revealed that more than 150 individuals have been removed, placed in removal proceedings, or are undergoing additional screening. While the official did not confirm if any of them were on the terror watch list, they acknowledged that some of the 50 individuals still at large may match the list.
Despite the situation, officials have stated that there is no intelligence indicating an immediate threat to the homeland. DHS believes that the activities are not part of an ISIS terror operation but rather a network exploiting migrants attempting to enter the U.S.
These developments come as the crisis at the southern border enters its fourth year, with recent decreases in migrant numbers. Border Patrol has been struggling to manage the influx, raising concerns about the thorough vetting of individuals crossing into the country.
Acting ICE Director Patrick Lechleitner admitted the challenges in vetting migrants, noting that sometimes there is a lack of information available on these individuals during the screening process.
As we navigate these security concerns and the challenges at the border, the safety and security of our country remain a top priority. Stay updated with the latest news on this evolving situation.
