FOX News’ Griff Jenkins reports from Eagle Pass, Texas, after two Iranians were taken into custody. Republican Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri is pressing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on the increasing numbers of “special interest aliens” being allowed into the U.S. This comes in the wake of the recent Hamas attack on Israel, which has raised concerns about potential terror threats. In a letter to Mayorkas, Hawley expressed alarm over the uptick in encounters with potential terrorist-linked illegal aliens at the southern border and urged immediate action to ensure the safety of American citizens, particularly Jewish Americans who are facing increased threats after the Hamas attack.
Hawley has highlighted both the record number of apprehensions of individuals on the terror watch list and recent reports about the number of “special interest aliens.” It has been reported that thousands of individuals from countries identified as having conditions that promote or protect terrorism have been arrested by Border Patrol agents while attempting to cross the U.S.’ southern border illegally over the last two years. The data shows encounters with nationals from Afghanistan, Egypt, Iran, Syria, Uzbekistan, Turkey, Pakistan, Lebanon, Jordan, Yemen, Iraq, and Mauritania. However, it does not include information on how many of these migrants were removed or released into the U.S. with a court date.
Conservatives have raised concerns about individuals with ties to terror groups, such as Hamas and Hezbollah, attempting to enter the U.S. DHS has acknowledged the potential risk and issued a threat assessment warning that terrorists and criminals may exploit the elevated flow and complex security environment to enter the United States. Hawley emphasized that individuals with terrorism connections have no place in the United States and called for immediate action to secure the border.
Hawley has requested information from Mayorkas regarding the number of special interest aliens released into the U.S. in the last two years, steps taken to increase border security since the attack on Israel, and coordination with the FBI to monitor organizations with ties to Hamas within the U.S.
In response to these concerns, DHS has stated that it does not have specific and credible intelligence indicating a threat to the United States at this time stemming from the Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel. However, the department is closely monitoring unfolding events and engaging in information sharing with intelligence and law enforcement partners at home and abroad to mitigate any risks to national security or public safety.
Senator Hawley’s concerns are shared by other Republicans who have expressed immigration-related concerns in the aftermath of the attack on Israel. Some Republicans, including presidential candidates, have called for refraining from taking in any refugees from Gaza who may have been displaced by the conflict.
This article highlights the ongoing debate surrounding border security and potential terror threats at the southern border. It underscores the concerns raised by Senator Hawley and other Republicans regarding the influx of “special interest aliens” and the need to prioritize the safety of American citizens in the face of potential terrorist activity.
