U.S. Border Security Concerns in the Wake of Hamas Attack on Israel

In the wake of a recent Hamas terror attack on Israel that resulted in over 1,000 casualties, concerns have arisen about the security of the U.S. southern border. Lora Ries, the director of the Border Security and Immigration Center at The Heritage Foundation, discussed the broader implications of the Hamas attack on “One Nation with Brian Kilmeade.” Ries, a retired Gen. Jack Keane, and several others engaged in a conversation that highlighted the vulnerabilities of the southern U.S. border.

Lora Ries, a seasoned expert with over 26 years of experience in immigration and homeland security, expressed her concerns about potential sleeper cells in the United States “waking up” in response to the Hamas attack. She pointed out that there have already been pro-Hamas protests in the U.S., signaling their presence and intent. Ries emphasized that terrorists may already be present within the U.S. and that it is essential for Congress to address this national security issue.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responded to questions about national security threats in the United States in the aftermath of the Hamas attack. They stated that there was no specific and credible intelligence indicating an immediate threat to the United States from the Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel. However, they acknowledged that they were closely monitoring the situation and would continue to share information with their intelligence and law enforcement partners at home and abroad.

One key concern related to border security is the presence of “special interest aliens” attempting to cross the U.S. southern border illegally. These individuals come from various countries and regions, including the Middle East, and are identified by the U.S. government as having conditions that promote or protect terrorism or potentially pose a national security threat.

Border Patrol agents have repeatedly raised concerns about who is crossing the southern border, as they have been diverted from the front lines to focus on processing. This shift has created gaps in border control and oversight. Additionally, fiscal year 2023 witnessed a record-breaking number of encounters with individuals on the FBI terror watchlist at the southern border between ports of entry.

Lora Ries raised concerns about the DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas’s refusal to answer questions about the current location and status of the 151 individuals who crossed the border while on the terror watchlist. She emphasized that Americans should not reach a point where a terrorist attack occurs within the United States without a clear understanding of how it happened.

The DHS, in response, emphasized their commitment to multilayered border security efforts that include various screening and vetting processes aimed at detecting and preventing individuals who pose national security or public safety risks from entering the United States. They also pledged to adjust their security posture as needed to protect the homeland and its people.

In summary, the recent Hamas attack on Israel has sparked discussions about the security of the U.S. southern border and the potential threats it may pose to national security. As experts and officials continue to monitor the situation, the need for proactive measures and comprehensive border security remains a top priority.

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