(IntegrityPress.org) – Eight people with suspected connections to the Islamist terror group ISIS have reportedly been arrested in a multi-city operation conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on the basis of information shared by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force. According to unnamed sources cited by news outlets, the suspects all hail from Tajikistan, a Central Asian country immediately north of Afghanistan. They are believed to be associated with ISIS, although they passed their background checks upon entering the U.S.
While the suspects passed their background checks upon crossing the southern border, the FBI reportedly learned of their possible terror connections and consequently tracked their movements. At least two of the eight men entered the U.S. in the Spring of 2023, per officials familiar with the matter, although it is unknown when the other six entered the country.
Just days before reports emerged of the arrests being carried out across New York city, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia, FBI Director Chris Wray spoke before Congress about the security threat presented by illegal border crossings. Appearing before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies to discuss funding for the FBI, Wray was frank about his concerns. He told committee members that over the past five or so years, there has been an increase in the number of people on terror watchlists trying to make their way over the U.S.-Mexico border. Additionally, he explained that sometimes, problems arise due to the arrival of people who should be on the watch list but are not because of a lack of information.
The individuals arrested shortly after Wray’s appearance before the Senate committee were an example of those who appeared to have a clear history and so were able to enter the U.S. unimpeded. It was reportedly only after they entered the country that the FBI became aware of a possible link between the men and a terror threat starting in Europe. From there, authorities watched the men over the course of several months before asking ICE to arrest them. No charges have yet been filed, although some may be filed at a later date. They have, however, been detained and may be removed from the country.
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