Overview
President Joe Biden faces significant backlash following the arrest of eight suspected ISIS-linked terrorists who crossed the U.S. southern border illegally. The suspects were apprehended in various cities, raising concerns about national security and border policies.
Why It Matters
This issue highlights the potential dangers associated with current border policies, emphasizing the need for robust national security measures.
Who It Impacts
The situation affects all U.S. citizens, particularly those concerned with national security and the prevention of terrorist activities on American soil.
President Joe Biden is under heavy criticism following the arrest of eight suspected ISIS-linked terrorists in multiple U.S. cities over the weekend. The New York Post first reported the arrests, revealing that the suspects, who had entered the U.S. illegally via the southern border, were apprehended after a wiretap indicated one suspect was discussing bombs.
Among the arrested individuals, two had entered the U.S. last spring, with one utilizing the Biden administration’s CBP One app to claim asylum. The arrests were conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in New York City, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia. This revelation has intensified the ongoing debate about the effectiveness and security implications of the current border policies.
Prominent political figures have voiced their alarm and criticism. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) expressed his lack of surprise, stating, “I am not shocked this happened — we’ve seen this coming from a mile away.” He further criticized the Biden administration’s border policies, suggesting that they have left America more vulnerable to terrorist attacks than at any time since 9/11. Texas Governor Greg Abbott echoed these sentiments, criticizing what he termed as “open border policies” that endanger American lives by allowing potentially dangerous individuals into the country.
The controversy deepened with Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) labeling the incident as a glaring indictment of Biden’s “catch-and-release” policy, arguing that it is reckless to release individuals from countries like Tajikistan without thorough vetting. Pennsylvania Senate candidate Dave McCormick (R) linked the issue to his political opponent, accusing Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) of supporting policies that compromise national security.
Montana Senate candidate Tim Sheehy (R) also weighed in, drawing parallels to the post-9/11 era when many Americans volunteered to safeguard the nation. He criticized President Biden and Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) for what he called a “terrorist invasion” facilitated by their border policies, urging for immediate and stringent measures to secure the border.
NBC News reported that the suspects originated from Tajikistan, with the New York Post adding that six of the eight were Russian nationals. According to federal border officials, initial vetting at the border did not flag the individuals, and it was only later that their terrorist connections came to light. This has raised questions about the reliability and thoroughness of current vetting processes.
The arrests are part of a broader pattern under Biden’s administration, where several terrorists from various global hotspots have crossed the southern border. Incidents involving an ISIS terrorist from Uzbekistan, a Hezb-e-Islami (HIG) member, and an Al-Shabaab operative have previously highlighted the ongoing threat. Critics argue that the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan has exacerbated the terrorist threat, as militant groups have regrouped and strengthened, taking advantage of the diminished U.S. presence in the region.
The core of this issue revolves around national security and the perceived failure of the current administration to adequately protect American borders. The recent arrests serve as a stark reminder of the potential threats that lax border policies can pose to the safety and security of the United States.
