Palestinian Migrant on Terror Watchlist Arrested at Southern Border

A Palestinian migrant, Omar Shehada, 35, was apprehended by Border Patrol agents at the southern border in Santa Teresa, New Mexico, on Monday. Shehada, whose name appears on a terror watchlist for prior use of “explosives/firearms,” was caught as part of heightened security measures following recent concerns about potential terrorist activity linked to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. This incident follows the arrest of three other suspected Palestinian terrorists at the California border in recent weeks. According to a leaked memo obtained by The Post, Shehada's journey to the U.S. began in Madrid last month, leading him through various countries, including Bogota, Panama City, and San Salvador. The memo also highlighted a previous alert issued by Border Patrol, warning agents about the possibility of individuals inspired by the Israel-Hamas conflict attempting to cross the Southwest border. The memo indicated that these individuals may be seeking to travel to or from areas of conflict in the Middle East. While the specific terror organization with which Shehada may be affiliated remains unclear, his inclusion on the watchlist raises significant concerns about border security. The recent surge in migrants on the terror watchlist apprehended at the U.S.-Mexico border has been noted under the Biden-Harris administration, prompting increased scrutiny and vigilance among border enforcement agencies. Shehada is currently in custody and awaiting removal from the United States as authorities continue to address the implications of these arrests on national security.