Authorities in Texas have intercepted dozens of illegal immigrants from nations linked to extensive terrorist activity, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran, at the southern border over the past week.
Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers have apprehended dozens of illegal immigrants from countries with a history of terrorist activity at the Texas-Mexico border during the past week.
Among the two large groups of migrants encountered, the first, consisting of 230 individuals, included 27 people from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Egypt, and India. These individuals were handed over to federal authorities.
Dozens of Illegal Immigrants from 'Special Interest' Countries Apprehended at Texas-Mexico Border
DPS Director Steven McCraw expressed concern over the presence of these migrants, stating that they represent a potential security risk to the United States. "These are not illegal immigrants seeking asylum – these are people trying to cross into the United States undetected who may also be trying to do us harm," McCraw said.
The first group also included 41 people arrested for criminal trespass, originating from Brazil, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Argentina, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic.
Dozens of Illegal Immigrants from 'Special Interest' Countries Apprehended at Texas-Mexico Border
A second group of 135 illegal immigrants was apprehended north of Eagle Pass, including 13 from Turkey and one from China.
In addition, authorities arrested Umar Farooq Ashraf, a South African citizen, on September 21 as part of a group of 15 illegal immigrants trespassing in Normandy, Texas. Ashraf was flagged by the Terror Screening Center for possible ties to known or suspected terrorists and remains in custody on criminal trespass charges.
Dozens of Illegal Immigrants from 'Special Interest' Countries Apprehended at Texas-Mexico Border
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released its annual threat assessment this week, warning of migrants with terrorist connections seeking to exploit migration flows and border security vulnerabilities to enter the United States.
The assessment highlights the ongoing attempts by individuals with potential terrorism connections to cross into the country at the US-Mexico and US-Canada borders, as well as through the immigration system.
Dozens of Illegal Immigrants from 'Special Interest' Countries Apprehended at Texas-Mexico Border
The apprehension of illegal immigrants from 'special interest' countries at the Texas-Mexico border underscores the concerns of Texas Governor Greg Abbott and the state about the potential threat posed by individuals with ties to terrorist activity.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation and take appropriate measures to safeguard the security of the United States.
* Special interest nations are those with a history of extensive terrorist activity.
* The apprehensions were made among large groups of migrants seeking to cross the border illegally.
* Individuals with potential links to terrorism remain a concern for border security officials.
* The DHS threat assessment highlights the ongoing efforts of terrorist organizations to exploit migration flows to infiltrate the United States.
