The crisis unfolding at the southern border is not only a matter of political controversy but also poses a significant national security risk.
While the media may downplay the situation for political reasons, America’s adversaries recognize the vulnerability presented by an open border and some are exploiting it to their advantage.
In May, the Border Patrol encountered a record-breaking number of individuals with suspected ties to terrorism along the southern border.
According to a report by The Washington Times, there were 29 such encounters during that month alone. This surpasses the previous record set under President Biden’s administration last year, when 98 encounters were reported.
Since the beginning of the fiscal year in October, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has apprehended 125 individuals at the southern border whose names appeared on the terrorist watchlist. These alarming figures highlight the extent to which national security is being compromised due to the porous nature of the border.
“CBP reports there have now been 125 people on the FBI’s terror watchlist arrested by Border Patrol agents at the southern border since FY’23 began on Oct. 1st, breaking the all time record of 98 set last year in FY’ 2022. There are still several months left in FY’23.” Bill Melugin reported.
Interestingly, these numbers come at a time when the overall pace of illegal border crossings is said to have decreased.
CBP reported a total of 273,141 unauthorized migrants apprehended nationwide in May, a slight decrease compared to April. This includes individuals attempting to enter through ports of entry without proper documentation, as well as those trying to sneak in undetected between the ports.
Moreover, the release of this data coincides with the end of the Title 42 pandemic border policy on May 11, marking a shift in the enforcement of immigration laws under Title 8.
These changes have undoubtedly had an impact on the dynamics of illegal immigration, but the concerning rise in encounters with suspected terrorists cannot be ignored.
Furthermore, the implications of an open border extend far beyond political considerations. They directly affect national security and the safety of American citizens.
As America’s enemies witness the laxity at the border, they seize the opportunity to exploit this weakness. It is imperative that the issue of border security is addressed comprehensively to protect the nation from potential threats.
