In a coordinated operation involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force, eight Tajikistan nationals with suspected ties to ISIS were arrested in New York, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia. These individuals had crossed the southern border illegally in 2023 and were initially released into the U.S. after being vetted. The arrests have sparked significant criticism of President Joe Biden's border policies, with many arguing that the open southern border poses a national security threat. FBI Director Christopher Wray had previously warned of increased terror threats due to the porous border. The suspects were reportedly discussing bomb plots and had used the CBP One app to enter the country. The arrests highlight ongoing concerns about the adequacy of current border security measures.
