Griff Jenkins reports from Eagle Pass, Texas, after two Iranians were taken into custody. FIRST ON FOX: A group of House Republicans is pushing the Biden administration for information about the potential national security threat posed by foreign terrorist organizations, including potential exploitation of the southern border, after Hamas’ attack against Israel. Nineteen lawmakers, led by Rep. Lance Gooden, R-Texas, have written to DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Secretary of State Antony Blinken requesting an “update with a specific intent to understand what, if any, steps are being taken to address the escalating threats to our national security.”
The Republicans have raised concerns about the Iranian regime’s involvement in the Hamas invasion of Israel and its moral and financial support for the terrorists behind the infiltration. They have also criticized the unfreezing of $6 billion in Iranian funding, arguing that it could have emboldened the regime. While the administration has assured that the funding is being monitored and is for humanitarian purposes only, critics argue that the money is fungible and have called for it to be refrozen.
The lawmakers have connected this potential threat to the ongoing crisis at the southern border, citing a record number of terror watchlist encounters in fiscal year 2023 and recent reports of encounters with “special interest aliens” since October 21. They emphasize the need for vigilance and addressing domestic threats in light of the situation in Israel.
The administration acknowledges the terror threat and its fiscal year 2024 threat assessment warns about the potential exploitation of the elevated flow and complex security environment at the southern border by terrorists and criminals. However, DHS has stated that there is no specific and credible intelligence indicating a threat to the United States at this time stemming from the Hamas attacks in Israel. The department remains closely monitoring the situation and engaging in information sharing with intelligence and law enforcement partners.
The Republican lawmakers criticize the administration’s foreign policies and response to the border crisis, accusing it of narrowing interior enforcement while expanding catch-and-release, thereby exacerbating the situation. DHS has responded by stating that more funding and immigration reform legislation are needed from Republicans to address the border crisis effectively.
In their letter to DHS and the State Department, the lawmakers seek information on illegal crossings by individuals from “special interest” nations and the Middle East, as well as those suspected of having links to foreign terror organizations, particularly Iranian regime agents. They also request details on any outsourcing or delegation of immigration processing and a briefing on the impact of the administration’s policies, including border and foreign policy decisions.
The concerns raised by House Republicans come amidst a growing number of worries about the threat posed at the southern border. Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., has expressed his concern about the influx of foreign nationals from special interest countries, while other lawmakers and 2024 political candidates have called for restrictions on refugees from Gaza entering the U.S.
This article highlights the efforts of House Republicans to address potential national security threats at the southern border and the concerns they have raised regarding the Iranian regime’s involvement in the Hamas attack on Israel. It also sheds light on the administration’s response, acknowledging the terror threat but emphasizing the absence of specific and credible intelligence indicating a threat to the United States at this time. The article concludes by mentioning the broader concerns about border security and the influx of individuals from special interest countries.
