In a significant development, eight individuals suspected of having ties to the terrorist organization ISIS have been apprehended in major American cities such as New York, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles.
These individuals, all hailing from Tajikistan, were arrested as part of a joint operation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the FBIs Joint Terrorism Task Force, as reported by American Military News.
The suspects were believed to have entered the United States via the southern border in 2023. According to sources who spoke to NBC Philadelphia, none of their background checks at the time of entry raised any red flags that would have warranted blocking their entry. The authorities initiated surveillance on these individuals after the FBI received information about a potential terror threat originating from central Europe. The suspects' activities were closely monitored for several months before their eventual arrest.
In a joint statement issued by the FBI and ICE, as quoted by Fox 29, it was revealed that "ICE agents arrested several non-citizens pursuant to immigration authorities. The actions were carried out in close coordination with the FBIs joint terrorism task forces." The statement further emphasized the heightened threat environment in the U.S., assuring that the FBI and DHS will continue their relentless efforts to identify, investigate, and disrupt potential threats to national security.
This development comes on the heels of a warning issued by FBI Director Christopher Wray about the looming terror threats from both foreign and domestic actors. This has been a particular concern in the wake of the invasion of Israel by Hamas on October 7, 2023. "Our most immediate concern has been that individuals or small groups will draw twisted inspiration from the events in the Middle East to carry out attacks here at home," Wray stated during a recent Congressional Appropriations hearing.
As of now, the apprehended suspects are facing immigration charges, with sources informing NBC News that they have not yet been charged with any counts related to terrorism. This situation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the U.S. in maintaining national security, and the importance of vigilance in monitoring potential threats, both foreign and domestic.
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