House Republicans are demanding a federal investigation into reports that migrants flagged on the terror watchlist have entered the US, and are now seeking information on the whereabouts of these individuals. The House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and House Homeland Security Committee have asked the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to identify those from the Terrorist Screening Data Set who have entered the country either at or between ports of entry.
Members of Congress have expressed concern about the number of known suspected terrorists who have been encountered at the Mexico border and subsequently allowed to enter the US. They are particularly interested in understanding the policies and procedures used by the FBI and US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to identify and monitor individuals on the terror watchlist. The lawmakers have called for an investigation into existing authorities and are looking for potential legislative remedies to address any identified national security risks.
In fiscal year 2023, federal authorities encountered 169 individuals on the terror watchlist between ports of entry and 80 at ports of entry on the southern border. Additionally, nearly 100 individuals have been flagged at and between ports of entry at the southern border since the start of the fiscal year, while 630 terror suspects were encountered at the northern border over the span of two fiscal years. These numbers only represent known suspects and do not account for the total number of apprehensions on the US-Mexico border since President Biden took office.
One particular case that drew attention was that of a Somali national who was a member of the terror group al Shabaab and was allowed into the country despite being connected to the use, manufacture, or transportation of explosives or firearms. The Terrorist Screening Center initially deemed him a “mismatch” and took a year to correct the error. This case highlights the challenges and potential risks associated with allowing individuals on the terror watchlist to enter the country unchecked.
During a threat assessment hearing, lawmakers expressed concerns about migrants using fake documents to enter the US, leaving authorities unable to properly verify their identities or backgrounds. Border Patrol officials processed thousands of individuals in a single day on the southern border without conducting a thorough documentation process, including biometrics, interviews, or checks against watchlists. The lack of proper screening procedures has raised questions about the security and safety implications of allowing individuals to enter the US without adequate vetting.
Overall, the calls for a federal probe into the entry of terror suspects into the US highlight the need for stronger border security measures and more robust screening processes to prevent individuals with ties to terrorism from entering the country undetected. The members of Congress are seeking answers on the current procedures used by federal agencies to identify and monitor individuals on the terror watchlist, as well as potential legislative solutions to address any gaps in existing authorities.Enhanced coordination and information sharing between agencies will be crucial to improving border security and safeguarding against potential national security threats posed by individuals with terrorist affiliations.
