The number of known or suspected terrorists (KSTs) apprehended at the northern border in the first six months of fiscal 2024 continues to surpass those apprehended at the southwest border. According to recent CBP data, 143 KSTs have been apprehended at the northern border compared to 92 at the southwest border.
These individuals are known to law enforcement and are included in the national Terrorist Screening Dataset, a federal database containing information on terrorist identities. The number of foreign nationals illegally entering through the northern border has reached an all-time high, with the greatest number of KSTs ever apprehended in U.S. history occurring at the northern border in fiscal 2023.
Former Border Patrol Chief Mark Morgan has expressed concerns about the daily entry of individuals on the FBI terrorist watchlist who could potentially harm the country. Despite the smaller number of illegal entries at the northern border compared to the southwest border, Morgan emphasizes that the threat is significant due to the lack of resources and infrastructure in place.
Morgan, a retired law enforcement official with extensive experience in counterterrorism operations, has warned about the danger posed by the presence of military-age men from hostile regions entering the U.S. illegally. He has advocated for increased screening of individuals against the terrorist watchlist and raised concerns about the potential national security threats that have evaded capture.
FBI Director Christopher Wray has also highlighted the presence of individuals with ties to ISIS among those illegally entering the country. House Republicans have called for answers regarding the release of KSTs into the country, prompting U.S. Rep. Roger Williams to introduce a bill mandating screening against the terrorist watchlist for all individuals entering illegally.
Despite the efforts of CBP and Border Patrol agents in apprehending KSTs, concerns remain about the number of threats that have gone undetected due to the volume of illegal entries. Morgan emphasizes the need for increased vigilance and screening measures to address the ongoing national security risks posed by individuals entering the country illegally.
