White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki was slammed for downplaying the public’s concern after the US southern border apprehended nearly two dozen suspected terrorists last year.
During the press briefing at the White House on Monday, Psaki was grilled by the press and was asked about the suspected terrorists who attempted to sneak into the country.
“We have new reporting that at least 23 people apprehended at the southern border in 2021 are on the terror watchlist. Why do you guys think it is that somebody on a terror watchlist would want to get into the United States undetected?” asked Fox News correspondent Peter Doocy.
DOOCY: "Why do you guys think it is that somebody on a terror watchlist want to get into the United States undetected?"
PSAKI: "I can't make an assessment of that…the border patrol was doing their job." pic.twitter.com/31GN2r3Cny
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) April 18, 2022
However, Psaki reportedly downplayed the problem and expressed no concern over the intention of the alleged terrorists.
“Well, I can’t make an assessment of that. But what I can tell you is that the data you’re citing here, it means the Border Patrol was doing their job. They apprehended people at the border,” Psaki responded.
Following Psaki’s response, Doocy threw her a follow up question involving President Biden’s insight regarding the issue.
“So the President is not worried about holes in the southern border being exploited by people trying to come in and kill Americans?” Doocy asked.
“He’s grateful to the Border Patrol for doing their job and stopping these people and preventing them from getting into the country. Suspected terrorists attempting to cross the southern border, they’re very uncommon. We’re talking about a few dozen annual encounters at most, at most.” Psaki responded.
