Border Patrol agents in the San Diego sector recently detained three Palestinian migrants suspected of having ties to terrorist organizations after they crossed the southern border illegally, according to sources cited by the New York Post. The incident has reignited debates about border security and the vetting of individuals entering the United States.
One of the detained migrants reportedly had concerning images on their phone, including a picture of a masked individual holding an AK-47 rifle, federal law enforcement sources told the New York Post. Additionally, a Turkish migrant suspected of terror group connections was apprehended in the same operation.
The group was part of a larger contingent of migrants who surrendered to border agents in the San Diego sector. Following their detention, the suspects were transferred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody, with the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force now investigating their cases.
The incident highlights growing concerns about potential security threats entering the US through the southern border, particularly in the San Diego area. Border Patrol agents, speaking anonymously to the New York Post, expressed frustration with their limited ability to thoroughly vet incoming migrants.
"Knowing who these guys are, we have, like, no access to anything international. Like, we really don't and it kind of sucks," one agent said. "I wanted to get into Border Patrol and protect from terrorists. And it's like, well, I probably let terrorists in the country."
The apprehensions occurred shortly after the Biden administration implemented new policies restricting asylum requests. However, these policies contain significant loopholes, particularly in the San Diego area, where migrants from over 100 countries that do not accept deportees are exempt from the restrictions.
The exemption has led to an influx of migrants from diverse regions, including countries known for ISIS recruitment, according to the New York Post report. While the overall flow of migrants has slowed due to the new restrictions and summer heat, border agents remain concerned about potential terrorists entering illegally and those already released due to lack of international information sharing.
The Department of Homeland Security is currently attempting to locate 50 migrants who entered the US with assistance from an ISIS-linked smuggling organization, as reported by the New York Post.
Federal data shows a significant increase in the number of individuals on terror watchlists apprehended at the southern border in recent years. Between fiscal years 2017 and 2020, 26 such individuals were caught. This number rose to 98 in fiscal year 2022 and 169 in fiscal year 2023.
