Media reports ISIS-associated smugglers bringing migrants to America
Date
6/30/2024 8:13:16 AM
(MENAFN) Recent reports from a news agency reveal that the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has identified more than 400 migrants who entered the United States with the assistance of a human smuggling network affiliated with ISIS over the past three years. Despite these findings, unnamed officials cited in the report emphasized that there is currently no evidence indicating that these individuals have intentions to carry out terrorist activities within the country.
According to data from the United States customs and Border Protection (CBP), there were 736 interceptions of individuals on the nation’s terrorist watchlist during the latest fiscal year, a notable increase from previous years under the Trump administration. This trend has reportedly continued into the current fiscal year, highlighting ongoing challenges in border security and terrorist threat detection.
In the news agency report, a United States official, speaking anonymously, disclosed that ISIS-affiliated operatives are involved in human trafficking operations across Central Asia, facilitating the illegal migration of individuals to the United States. Among the 400 migrants identified, approximately 150 have been apprehended and deported, while the status of around 50 remains uncertain, as some may have departed the United States voluntarily.
Despite the association with ISIS-linked smuggling networks, none of the deported individuals have been charged with terrorism-related offenses, as confirmed by United States authorities. Officials reiterated that there is no current indication that the 400 migrants involved in these smuggling operations had sinister intentions upon entering the United States.
The situation underscores the complex landscape of border security and counterterrorism efforts faced by United States agencies, as they navigate the dual challenges of preventing illegal immigration and detecting potential security threats. As the DHS continues to monitor and address these issues, the focus remains on enhancing surveillance and response capabilities to safeguard national security interests effectively.
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