The escalating border crisis under the Biden administration has raised significant concerns about national security, particularly regarding potential terror threats. Surveillance methods such as drones, satellites, and traditional tracking techniques have revealed that approximately 1.7 million individuals have evaded border patrol during the current administration. This figure, referred to as “known gotaways,” is believed to be an underestimate, with the actual number likely exceeding 2 million.
These unidentified individuals are particularly disconcerting due to their deliberate efforts to avoid detection by border patrol agents. The current administration’s policies encourage illegal immigrants to surrender at the border, where they can apply for amnesty or other favored statuses. However, many choose to evade capture, raising questions about their motives and intentions.
A stunning 169 individuals on the terror watchlist have been arrested at the southern border over the last fiscal year — more than the previous six years combined.
How many haven't been caught? pic.twitter.com/13I6YNgyYG
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) November 1, 2023
The situation becomes even more alarming when considering the likelihood of individuals on the terror watchlist entering the country undetected. It is reasonable to assume that these individuals would be less inclined to surrender themselves to border patrol agents, increasing the probability of them becoming “gotaways.”
Despite the growing concern, there appears to be no significant changes in operations or policies on the ground. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) have remained silent on any new directives or strategies since the recent Hamas attacks. This lack of transparency and action raises further questions about the administration’s handling of the border crisis.
"We have just returned from our southern border, and it is painfully clear that with Joe Biden's open border policy, our country is at an increased threat for a terrorist attack."
A nation without a border is no nation at all. #BidenBorderCatastrophe https://t.co/Mlo0KZh6mQ
— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) November 1, 2023
Adding to the complexity of the situation is the diversity of the immigrants encountered at the U.S. borders. Over the past three years, immigrants from 180 out of the world’s 195 recognized nations have been encountered, speaking over 200 different languages. This vast range of nationalities and languages presents additional challenges in monitoring and managing the border crisis.
A recent internal bulletin from CBP’s San Diego office highlighted the potential threat of encountering foreign fighters linked to terrorist groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad at the southwest border. Despite this warning, CBP has reported no evidence of Hamas-directed foreign fighters attempting to enter the U.S.
The potential terror threats are twofold: individuals sponsored or directed by terrorist groups, and those who may sympathize with radical Islamic groups and be inspired to act. The latter, referred to as “homegrown violent extremists,” are considered the most significant threat by some experts.
In conclusion, the current border crisis presents a serious national security concern. The combination of a significant increase in illegal immigration, the rising number of “gotaways,” and the potential for terrorists to exploit the situation should serve as a wake-up call for policymakers. It is crucial that the administration takes immediate and effective action to address these concerns and ensure the safety and security of the nation.
