U.S. Senator Rand Paul | U.S. Senator Rand Paul official website
U.S. Senator Rand Paul | U.S. Senator Rand Paul official website
U.S. Senators Rand Paul (R-KY) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) have 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 and were arrested in various cities, including New York, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles.
In a letter addressed to Secretary Mayorkas, Senators Paul and Graham highlighted significant potential vulnerabilities within U.S. border security and immigration screening processes. They emphasized the serious national security implications of these deficiencies and requested detailed information to fully understand the scope of these issues.
The letter stated: “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 outlined specific requests for information from DHS by June 28, 2024:
1. All DHS records related to all of the individuals arrested in connection with this operation.
2. All communications between DHS components regarding these individuals.
3. Documents regarding their arrival and entry at U.S. borders.
4. Communications related to detention space at the time of each individual’s apprehension.
5. Addresses provided by these individuals upon entering the U.S.
6. Documents processed through international and national criminal databases.
7. Information on any asylum or protection claims made by these individuals.
8. Communications between DHS and other law enforcement agencies regarding these individuals.
9. Details about their transit through other countries and whether they sought asylum in a third country.
Senators Paul and Graham concluded their letter with: “Thank you for your prompt attention and cooperation in this matter.”
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