Bowling Green Today

U.S. Senators Rand Paul (R-KY) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) have formally requested additional information from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas regarding the recent apprehension of several individuals from Tajikistan with suspected ties to the Islamic State. These individuals reportedly entered the United States through the southern border.

In a letter sent on Friday, Senator Paul, Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Senator Graham, Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, expressed concerns over potential vulnerabilities in U.S. border security and immigration screening processes.

The letter states: “We, as the Ranking Members of committees with jurisdiction over immigration and national security, are writing to request additional information concerning the recent apprehension of several individuals from Tajikistan with suspected ties to the Islamic State. According to media reports, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recently arrested multiple individuals with suspected ties to ISIS on immigration violations in various cities across the country, including New York, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles, following their entry into the United States through the southwest land border.”

The senators highlighted significant potential vulnerabilities within border security that these arrests have brought to light. They emphasized that understanding these issues is crucial for ensuring that national security systems are adequately safeguarding against such threats.

To address these concerns comprehensively, they requested detailed information from DHS by June 28, 2024. The requested information includes all DHS records related to those arrested; communications between DHS agencies; documents regarding their arrival at U.S. borders; detention space details at apprehension times; addresses provided upon entering; personal information processed through criminal databases; asylum or protection claims made by these individuals; communications with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies; and details about their transit through other countries.

The letter concludes: “Thank you for your prompt attention and cooperation in this matter.”