Some Republican lawmakers are flagging Hamas’ attack on Israel as an example of why more security is needed at the southern U.S. border. Hamas militants breached a border fence and attacked Israeli villages bordering the Gaza Strip on Oct. 7.
“Potential terrorists are attempting to cross our southern border. In September alone, 18 illegal immigrants on the terror watchlist were caught at the border,” U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., posted Oct. 21 on X, formerly Twitter. “The attack on Israel should serve as a warning as to why we must secure the border.”
The next day, U.S. Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., also mentioned the terrorist watchlist on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”
“We just caught 18 people, just last month, on the FBI terrorist watchlist, coming across our border,” McCarthy said. “More than 160 have done it this year.”
U.S. immigration officials have encountered rising numbers of people on the watchlist. But not everyone on the list is a terrorist, and not everyone encountered is allowed to enter the country.
Terrorism and immigration experts say the threat of attacks in the U.S. and Israel are not comparable.
“People aren’t crossing the border to conduct terrorist attacks or take over parts of the United States,” David Bier, an immigration expert at the libertarian Cato Institute, previously told PolitiFact. “A very small percentage may come to commit ordinary crimes, like selling drugs, but overwhelmingly, they are coming for economic opportunity and freedom.”
McCarthy’s office did not respond to our request for more information. A Blackburn spokesperson pointed us to a Fox News reporter’s post on X. Customs and Border Protection did not confirm whether 18 people were stopped in September.
Here’s what we know about who is on the terrorist watchlist, and what the data can and can’t tell us:
The terrorist watchlist, run by the FBI’s Terrorist Screening Center, is a federal database of people who are either known or suspected terrorists.
“Known terrorists” include people who have been charged, arrested, indicted or convicted of a terrorism-related crime or who belong to a foreign terrorist organization.
“Suspected terrorists” are people who are “reasonably suspected to be” involved in terrorist activities.
U.S. government agencies nominate people to the terrorist watchlist, and those names are vetted by the National Counterterrorism Center or the FBI.
For years, civil liberty groups have cited concerns about the nomination process and its lack of transparency. People are not told they are on the watchlist and are not privy to the evidence that landed them on it. The standard for being included, “reasonable suspicion,” allows intelligence analysts to rely on rational inferences, not jus facts, when deciding if someone has ties to terrorism, the Congressional Research Service wrote in a 2016 report.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection releases the number of times immigration officials encounter a known or suspected terrorist each fiscal year. While there is a lot of information the government doesn’t disclose, such as the nationality of people apprehended, the available data do not support the impression of routine terrorist crossings at the southern border.
Most of the 736 encounters in fiscal year 2023 (which ended Sept. 30) happened at the northern border at official checkpoints (484 in total). There were 80 encounters at official checkpoints at the southern border.
Encounters between ports of entry along the southern border were higher in 2023 (169) than in 2022 (98) and 2021 (15).
But CBP says it’s “very uncommon” for border authorities to encounter people on the terrorist watchlist. At the southern border between ports of entry in 2023, for example, such encounters represented 0.0083% of all the 2 million encounters.
Data on encounters represent events, not people. If one person tries to come in three times in a year and is stopped each time, that counts as three encounters.
Additionally, border officials can deny entry to people on the terrorist watchlist. An encounter does not equal an entry into the country.
A Customs and Border Protection spokesperson told PolitiFact the agency vets everyone who is encountered. People who pose a threat to national security or public safety are denied admission, detained, removed or referred to other federal agencies for possible prosecution.
It means “that potential terrorists are not getting through but rather are being detected,” even when they try crossing between official ports of entry, said Denise Gilman, immigration clinic co-director at the University of Texas School of Law.
People on the list are “subject to extremely high scrutiny and are almost certainly detained indefinitely by CBP while they determine what to do with them,” said Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, policy director for the American Immigration Council, an immigrants’ rights group. “They are not just waved on through.”
Even if people on the watchlist were allowed into the country to apply for asylum or any sort of immigration protection, they would be sent to immigration detention while a judge hears their case, said Adam Isacson, defense oversight director at the Washington Office on Latin America, a research and human rights advocacy group.
Some people on the watchlist have not been deemed terrorists by the U.S. government, but they might be affiliated with people, such as family members, who are known or suspected terrorists, according to CBP.
Additionally, some people on the list might be affiliated with a designated foreign terrorist organization that does not pose a threat to the U.S., such as inactive domestic guerrilla groups, said Alex Nowrasteh, the Cato Institute’s vice president for economic and social policy studies.
Nowrasteh recently testified to Congress that none of the people involved in U.S. terrorist attacks from 1975 to 2022 had crossed the southern border illegally.
The federal government’s encounters data can include false positives of matches on the terrorist watchlist, such as people who were added to the watchlist because they share the same name or birthdate as someone listed.
Experts dismissed the idea that Hamas’ attack on Israel is in any way analogous to U.S. border security concerns.
There isn’t a terrorist movement in Mexico, Central America or South America that targets the U.S. or compares with Hamas targeting Israel, Nowrasteh said. Hamas’ charter calls for the destruction of Israel.
Ernesto Castañeda-Tinoco, director of American University’s Center for Latin American and Latino Studies, said, “There is no evidence of members of Hamas in Mexico preparing attacks on the U.S. The geopolitical situation at the U.S.-Mexico border is different from the one between Israel and Palestine.”
Jason M. Blazakis, director of Middlebury College’s Center on Terrorism, Extremism, and Counterterrorism, said the comparison was a “false analogy.”
“The vast majority of people who are at the southern border are trying to escape criminal gangs and drug trafficking organization violence,” he said.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – One person has died after a motorcycle crash on Riverwatch Parkway, according to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.
Officials say the crash happened on Friday night at 9:50 p.m. near mile marker 3.5.
Upon arrivals, deputies say they found male subject laying near the concrete barriers.
The Richmond County Coroner’s Office arrived on scene and pronounced the male deceased, officials say.
The coroner’s office has not released the name of the victim yet.
We are working to learn more.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Washington, DC is a vibrant and exciting city with something to offer everyone. The balmy June weather makes it the perfect time to explore the city’s many outdoor attractions, from the National Mall to the Smithsonian museums. There are also plenty of indoor activities to enjoy, such as visiting the White House or the International Spy Museum. Whether you’re looking for culture, history, or just a fun day out, Washington, DC has something for you. Here are 9 great things to do in Washington, DC in June 2024:
The National Mall is a 2-mile-long park that stretches from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol Building. It’s home to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Washington Monument, the World War II Memorial, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. In June, the National Mall is a great place to enjoy a picnic, go for a walk, or simply take in the sights. You can also take a ranger-led tour of the Mall to learn more about its history and significance.
The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum and research complex. It comprises 19 museums, 9 research centers, and the National Zoo. The Smithsonian museums are free to enter, making them a great option for budget-minded travelers. In June, the Smithsonian museums offer a variety of special exhibitions, programs, and events. You can check the Smithsonian website for a full list of what’s happening during your visit. Some popular Smithsonian museums include the National Museum of Natural History, the National Air and Space Museum, and the National Museum of American History.
The White House is the official residence of the President of the United States. It’s one of the most iconic buildings in the world and a must-see for any visitor to Washington, DC. Tours of the White House are free, but they must be booked in advance. You can book a tour online or by calling the White House Visitor’s Office. Tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s important to arrive early. If you’re not able to get a tour, you can still take a walk around the White House and admire its beautiful architecture.
The International Spy Museum is a fascinating museum that tells the story of espionage throughout history. The museum has a collection of over 1,000 artifacts, including spy gadgets, weapons, and vehicles. You’ll learn about the history of espionage, from the ancient Egyptians to the modern era. The museum also has a number of interactive exhibits, where you can test your own spy skills. The International Spy Museum is a great place to visit for adults and children alike.
The Potomac River is a beautiful river that flows through Washington, DC. There are several trails along the river that are perfect for walking, running, or biking. You can enjoy stunning views of the city skyline, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Jefferson Memorial. You can also rent a kayak or canoe and explore the river from a different perspective. The Potomac River is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
The National Zoo is home to over 2,000 animals from all over the world. The zoo is free to enter, making it a great option for families. You can see animals such as lions, tigers, elephants, gorillas, and pandas. The zoo also has a number of educational programs and exhibits. You can learn about the animals and their habitats, and you can even get up close and personal with some of the animals. The National Zoo is a fun and educational place to visit for all ages.
The Kennedy Center is a performing arts center that hosts a variety of events, including concerts, plays, and dance performances. The Kennedy Center is home to the National Symphony Orchestra, the Washington National Opera, and the Washington Ballet. In June, the Kennedy Center offers a variety of special events, such as outdoor concerts and free performances. You can check the Kennedy Center website for a full list of what’s happening during your visit.
Washington, DC is home to several farmer’s markets that offer fresh fruits, vegetables, and other products. Farmer’s markets are a great way to support local farmers and get fresh, healthy food. You can also find a variety of prepared foods, such as sandwiches, salads, and baked goods. Farmer’s markets are a great place to visit for a bite to eat or to stock up on groceries. Some popular farmer’s markets in Washington, DC include the Dupont Circle FreshFarm Market, the Eastern Market, and the Georgetown Farmers’ Market.
The U Street Corridor is a vibrant and historic neighborhood in Washington, DC. The neighborhood is home to a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops. You can also find live music venues, art galleries, and theaters. The U Street Corridor is a great place to spend an evening or afternoon. You can grab a bite to eat, see a show, or simply people-watch. The neighborhood is also home to the African American Civil War Museum and the Howard University Museum. These museums tell the story of African Americans in Washington, DC, and their contributions to the city and the nation.
Washington, DC is a city with a rich culture and history. The city is home to a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sites. It’s also a great place to experience the arts, with a variety of theaters, concert halls, and art galleries. Washington, DC is a great city to visit any time of year, but June is an especially nice time to visit. The weather is warm and sunny, and there are plenty of outdoor events and activities to enjoy. You can easily get around Washington, DC by using the city’s public transportation system. The Metro is a subway system that can take you to most of the city’s major attractions. You can also use the city’s buses or taxis to get around.
Washington, DC has a variety of local food options to choose from. You can find everything from classic American fare to international cuisine. Some of the city’s most popular dishes include half-smokes, Ben’s Chili Bowl, and Ethiopian food. You can also find a variety of restaurants that cater to vegetarians and vegans. Washington, DC has a variety of hotels to choose from, to fit all budgets. Some of the city’s most popular hotels include The Willard InterContinental, The Hay-Adams, and The Jefferson Hotel. No matter what your interests are, you’re sure to find something to love in Washington, DC.
Anybody with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the APD Homicide tip line at 512-974-8477. This marks Austin’s 27th homicide of 2024.
Originally published on mytexasdaily.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.
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