(Part 3 of 3; Part 1, Part 2.)
A border-crossing illegal immigrant, Sidi Mohammad Abdallahi, conducted a terror attack in Chicago on October 26, 2023. This incident confirmed concerns raised by the FBI Director and U. S. intelligence about potential terrorist infiltration related to the 2021-2024 mass migration crisis, attributed to policies of the Joe Biden administration. Abdallahi, a Mauritanian national who crossed the southern border unlawfully in March 2023, aimed to attack Jews and police, highlighting the urgent need for the incoming administration of President Donald Trump to address the risk of similar attacks with millions of foreign immigrants already in the country.
A potential solution involves reviving a plan introduced by former Obama administration’s DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson in 2016, focused on “special interest aliens” (SIAs) from countries where terrorist groups operate. Johnson's memorandum called for more rigorous security checks for these individuals, which the Trump administration could reinstate given the current rise in SIAs entering the U. S. without sufficient vetting. The need is particularly pressing as a significant number of SIAs remain in the U. S. without thorough background checks.
Historically, the SIA category was established post-9/11 to track illegal immigrants from high-risk countries, including Mauritania. Although being labeled as SIAs does not imply all are terrorists, it does call for careful scrutiny. Johnson’s memo noted the necessity for vigilance due to potential national security threats from such individuals. His directive for a task force aimed at coordinated investigations highlighted a proactive approach needed in border security.
The current situation has changed dramatically, with tens of thousands of SIAs entering the U. S. annually due to the Biden administration’s migration policies. As many as 75,000 SIAs reached the southern border between October 2022 and August 2023, and the vetting process for these individuals has diminished significantly, leaving many uninvestigated. Some SIAs, like Abdallahi, likely did not receive proper interviews before being released.
To reduce the threat posed by SIAs, the upcoming Trump administration should prioritize creating a comprehensive SIA action task force along the borders and in the U. S. interior. Recommendations include restoring the previous list of SIA countries and enhancing personnel resources to conduct thorough vetting in detention centers. Additionally, implementing stricter detention and prosecution practices for illegal entries by SIAs is necessary.
In the interior of the U. S. , regional ICE task forces should compile databases of SIA releases, requiring them to undergo additional security screenings. There should also be an emphasis on investigating asylum fraud and prosecuting individuals who aid in illegal smuggling. Moreover, overseas efforts should focus on collaboration with transit countries and establishing repatriation programs to deter SIAs from making the journey to the U. S.
By managing the risks associated with SIA flows and strengthening investigative operations in Latin America, the government may improve its capability to detect and address the presence of individuals with potential terrorist links, ultimately enhancing national security.
https://cis.org/Report/Remedies-How-Lower-Risk-New-Terror-Strikes-BorderCrossing-Islamist-Extremists
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