U.S. Intelligence Blocks Thousands Tied to Narco-Terrorism

U.S. intelligence officials have intercepted over 10,000 individuals linked to narco-terrorism from entering the country in 2025, according to recent disclosures. Additionally, more than 85,000 individuals with similar ties have been added to a terrorist watch list.

This information was gathered by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) and shared with law enforcement agencies like the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI, with the aim of preventing these individuals from accessing the United States.

Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, stated, “In 2025, the data our team provided helped prevent more than 10,000 people with terrorist connections from entering our nation.” She praised former President Trump for prioritizing homeland security and acknowledged the diligence of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) in these efforts.

Gabbard also noted that the intelligence from the NCTC has led to numerous successful actions against cartels and gangs, resulting in the arrests and removal of many criminals from U.S. territory.

A senior counterterrorism official mentioned that Trump’s designation of cartels as terrorist organizations allows the use of intelligence tools to monitor these threats more effectively. As a result, over 10,000 cartel and gang members tied to terrorism will be barred from entering the U.S. in 2025.

Access denial can involve several actions such as visa revocation, arrest, deportation, or further investigation. Meanwhile, the NCTC has also updated its terrorist database, adding over 85,000 new identities, which are communicated to local law enforcement agencies across the U.S.

An official emphasized that if the capabilities available now had existed before 9/11, many of the attackers might have been prevented from entering the country in the first place. They expressed that denying entry to these narco-terrorists was a significant achievement.

Concerns were raised regarding how, prior to the Trump administration, many dangerous individuals were able to move freely through Mexico and South America, often resulting in tragic outcomes. Now, with the updated watch list, those previously able to cross borders are subject to denial of entry.

In contrast, the Biden administration’s approach has faced criticism, suggesting that it often waits until individuals commit crimes within the U.S. before taking action. Traditional terrorists remain a concern, as NCTC has developed tools to counter these threats since 9/11, but these tools have been underutilized in recent years.

While fewer than five traditional terrorists were targeting access to the U.S. during the Trump administration, they often sought alternative ways to enter, such as through commercial flights. Officials warned against attempting entry, as they would likely face barriers.

The NCTC continues to focus on threats not only from cartels and gangs but also from groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS. Moreover, there is an ongoing investigation into Antifa as a terrorist organization, highlighting a broader scope of national security concerns.