House Committee Chairs Criticize FBI and DHS Over Border Security Concerns
- House Intel Committee Chair Mike Turner and Homeland Security Committee Chair Mark Green respond to alarming reports of potential terrorist threats at the border.
- The report has raised serious discussions among lawmakers regarding national security and immigration policies.
- Experts urge a thorough investigation to assess and mitigate any real risks associated with border security.
The chairmen of two prominent House committees have expressed strong criticism towards the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) following a report highlighting potential terror threats at the U.S.-Mexico border. House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Chair Mike Turner and House Homeland Security Committee Chair Mark Green condemned the Biden administration for allegedly allowing nearly 100 illegal immigrants on the terror watch list to enter the country. They emphasized the administration's failure to monitor who is crossing the border and the potential risks posed by these individuals. In a joint statement, Turner and Green labeled the situation as "unacceptable," demanding answers from the FBI and DHS regarding the security implications of their findings. The FBI has refrained from commenting on the matter, while DHS has also been approached for a response. FBI Director Christopher Wray has previously raised alarms about possible terror threats linked to the southern border, indicating that the agency is actively working with ICE to address these concerns. The report, which was first disclosed by Fox News Digital, revealed that between fiscal years 2021 and 2023, at least 99 illegal immigrants on the terror watch list were released into the U.S. by DHS. Additionally, it noted that 34 others remain in custody, and immigration judges have granted bond to at least 27 migrants on the watchlist. The report also highlighted the significant number of migrants from countries with national security risks, raising further alarms about the potential for undetected terrorists entering the U.S. The findings underscore the challenges faced by border security agencies, with the report indicating that nearly 2 million individuals, referred to as "gotaways," have evaded Border Patrol since the Biden administration took office. This includes individuals from countries known for terrorism, such as Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria, intensifying concerns over national security and the effectiveness of current immigration policies.