In a recently obtained internal memo dated October 20, federal officials have raised concerns about the potential infiltration of members belonging to Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), and Hezbollah through the southern border. The memo, exclusively obtained by the Daily Caller News Foundation, highlights the heightened alert among federal authorities in light of the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The memo, issued by the San Diego Field Office Intelligence Division of Customs and Border Protection (CBP), warns about potential encounters with members linked to terrorist organizations at the US Southern border. It states that individuals inspired by or reacting to the Israel-Hamas conflict may attempt to travel to or from the area of hostilities in the Middle East via circuitous routes across the Southwest border. The memo also mentions that foreign fighters motivated by ideology or mercenaries may attempt to obscure their travel to or from the US to countries in the Middle East through Mexico.
This development comes at a time when Rep. Jamaal Bowman and other leftists have already been urging the United States to take in Palestinian refugees from Gaza. FBI Director Chris Wray also issued a dire warning about the rise of violent extremism. He expressed his condolences to the people of Israel and condemned the targeting of a community based on their faith. Wray highlighted the increase in reported threats and urged the public to remain vigilant for “lone actors” who may be inspired by recent events to commit acts of violence.
These concerns about potential terrorism infiltrations at the border are supported by the alarming statistics of encounters with illegal aliens. September alone recorded the highest number of encounters with illegal aliens at 269,735, and the total for the fiscal year 2023 stands at a staggering 2.47 million encounters. Among these encounters, Customs and Border Patrol reported that four Iranians, considered “special interest aliens,” were apprehended at the open US southern border in the past month.
In addition, the fiscal year 2023 has seen the apprehension of 736 known or suspected terrorists (KST) at the U.S. border as of September 15. The majority of these apprehensions, 66%, occurred at the northern border, while 34% occurred at the southwest border. The total of 736 is the highest number of KSTs apprehended in recorded U.S. history.
These developments underscore the need for stronger border security measures to ensure the safety and security of American citizens. Former President Trump has long advocated for stricter border measures and has emphasized the importance of securing the borders. However, his appeals have often faced ridicule and dismissiveness from the far-left, who labeled his stance as xenophobic or racially motivated.
As federal officials continue to sound the alarm on potential terrorism infiltrations at the border, it is crucial for the government to prioritize effective border security measures to prevent the entry of individuals linked to terrorist organizations. The safety and security of the nation and its citizens must always be a top priority.
Source link
