Experts have raised concerns that “sleeper cells,” potentially supported by policies regarding open borders, might be organizing in the United States as a response to recent U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Iran.
Counterterrorism agencies are reportedly mobilizing resources to prevent any possible retaliations on American soil. However, as of now, there hasn’t been any specific, credible threat made public.
Chris Swecker, a former assistant director of the FBI, expressed that if groups like Hezbollah or Hamas were planning a violent act in the U.S., the time might be now. “We know they have cells here, and we know they have lone sympathizers, many of whom are connected to these protest groups,” he noted, suggesting that the Biden administration’s approach to borders could be facilitating such terrorist activities.
Last summer, Customs and Border Protection issued warnings about the rising possibility of sleeper cells, following a reported illegal crossing of over 700 Iranians into the U.S. within four years, according to a leaked memo.
Swecker continued, emphasizing the risks associated with years of open borders, which could allow terrorists and their sympathizers to blend into society. “Many were already in the U.S., but there’s a real chance they could infiltrate these groups and act as instigators,” he remarked.
This alarming warning coincided with the launch of Operation Epic Fury, a military operation conducted by the U.S. and Israel that resulted in the deaths of several high-ranking Iranian officials, including Ayatollah Khamenei.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that U.S. intelligence and counterterrorism units are on heightened alert in light of these developments. He stated that necessary security measures were being discussed and activated, with teams dedicated to monitoring potential threats around the clock.
“While our military protects abroad, the FBI is focused on preventing attacks at home,” Patel elaborated, assuring that efforts to safeguard American lives are ongoing.
Kristi Noem, Secretary of Homeland Security, added that federal law enforcement partners are actively engaged in monitoring potential threats to national security.
Interestingly, an incident that occurred at Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden in Austin early Sunday morning is being investigated as a possible retaliation linked to the attack on Iran. Officials indicated that the suspect, originally from Senegal and a U.S. citizen since 2013, may have had his underwear decorated with Iranian flags or symbols.
