In a startling revelation, an internal federal memo obtained exclusively by the Daily Caller News Foundation discloses that a member of the Somali terror group al-Shabaab was apprehended at the U.S. southern border and subsequently released into the country. The individual, unnamed for security reasons, illegally crossed the border near San Ysidro, California, on March 13, 2023, and was released shortly after the arrest.
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According to the memo, obtained by the DCNF to protect a confidential source, the Terrorist Screening Center initially labeled the individual a ‘mismatch’ after checking his name against the terror watchlist. However, on January 18, 2024, a redetermination by the Center confirmed the person as an al-Shabaab member involved in the use, manufacture, or transport of explosives or firearms.
Two days later, on January 20, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) apprehended the individual in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This incident adds to the growing concern about national security, as border patrol caught 172 terror watchlist suspects attempting to enter the U.S. illegally during fiscal year 2023.
Former homeland security officials argue that the surge of illegal immigrants at the southern border is making it easier for potential threats to infiltrate the country. John Fabbricatore, a retired ICE field director, expressed alarm, stating, “We continue to witness alarming instances where terrorists are able to freely roam the United States for months after being released at the border before their criminal and terrorist histories come to light.”
During fiscal years 2017 to 2020, there were only 30 encounters with suspected terrorists attempting to cross the border. However, from October to December of the previous year, Border Patrol agents apprehended 50 illegal immigrants on the terror watchlist, highlighting a concerning trend.
The Biden administration’s assurances of a comprehensive vetting process have been called into question, with Fabbricatore emphasizing the need to enforce immigration laws and secure the border for the safety of the nation. The mass releases of illegal migrants under the current administration have strained federal authorities, leading to quicker processing times that may compromise proper background checks.
Notably, an ICE official, speaking anonymously, mentioned that individuals have been released before complete records checks, limiting the ability to process and place potential threats appropriately. Border Patrol’s 72-hour custody limit also poses challenges, as it often takes longer to receive information from background checks.
The alarming situation has raised concerns among security experts, emphasizing the necessity of enforcing immigration laws and securing the border to ensure the safety of the nation. The Daily Caller News Foundation reached out to ICE for comment, but no response was received at the time of reporting.
