Some of the eight Tajik nationals suspected of having ties to ISIS who crossed the southern border illegally have already been deported from the United States or are being held awaiting release, officials announced Tuesday.
The eight nationals illegally crossed the U.S. southern border, but federal officials told Fox News in June that no derogatory information was initially reported during processing by border officials.
The illegal immigrants were arrested in a joint raid by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)'s Joint Terrorism Task Force in Los Angeles, New York, and Philadelphia.
More than 1.7 million immigrants who could pose a national security risk arrive in the US during Biden administration: Report
Aerial view of migrants near the Texas-Mexico border. Officials said some of the groups included nationals of countries with large-scale terrorist activities. (Texas Department of Public Safety)
The incident highlighted concerns about the potential terrorist threat that could loom across the southern border during what was then a historic border crisis.
A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson confirmed to Fox News Digital on Tuesday that some members of the population have already been removed.
“In close coordination with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), these individuals were taken into custody in June and have been in ICE custody since then, and have either already been removed from the United States or remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings. Either it's below,''' the spokesperson said.
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Border Patrol agents pick up a group of asylum seekers from a relief camp on the U.S.-Mexico border near Sasabe, Arizona, Wednesday, March 13, 2024. (Justin Hummel/Getty Images)
“The arrest and removal of these individuals demonstrates the success of DHS and FBI cooperation and partnership to disrupt and eliminate potential national security threats,” they said.
CBS News We first reported the deportations: three people were forcibly returned to Tajikistan and Russia, four are waiting for deportation flights to Central Asia, and one is awaiting legal proceedings due to health issues. It is said that
Concerns about possible terrorist attacks by ISIS continue in the United States FBI Director In June, Christopher Wray told the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee that there could be a coordinated attack in the United States similar to the attack by the Islamic State of Khorasan (ISIS-K) in Russia in March. He said there are growing concerns.
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“During my time as FBI Director, we have committed multiple terrorist attacks and disrupted cities and communities across the United States. We need funding to continue to protect America from terrorism,” Wray said. Ta.
As the November presidential election approaches, the Biden administration is emphasizing efforts to remove or deter illegal immigration into the United States, with numbers sharply increasing since signing an executive order restricting asylum in June. has decreased to
Biden DHS reveals 50 migrants still at large as ISIS-linked smuggling network brings in hundreds
Officials said they have deported or returned more than 131,000 people to more than 140 countries since June 5, including operating more than 400 international repatriation flights. However, if the receiving country refuses to accept illegal immigrants, it is often difficult for them to return home.
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But more than 1.7 million “special interest aliens” (SIAs) have arrived at the border under the Biden administration, according to a recent report from the House Judiciary Committee. Aliens of special interest are from countries identified by the U.S. government as having conditions that promote or protect terrorism or that may pose some national security threat to the United States.
Fox News' Bill Melugin and Stepheny Price contributed to this report.
