Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard revealed that the Biden administration detained or deported only 8 out of over 100 migrants with suspected ISIS ties who crossed into the US illegally, sparking renewed concerns about national security vulnerabilities.
At a Glance
- Tulsi Gabbard disclosed that 92+ suspected ISIS-linked migrants remain unaccounted for after crossing the southern border
- The migrants were from Central Asian countries known as ISIS recruiting hotbeds
- Over 4,000 migrants reportedly used ISIS-linked smugglers to enter the US under the Biden administration
- Trump administration officials, including VP Vance, report illegal crossings in Eagle Pass have dropped from 1,500 to 30 daily
- Officials are now working to locate remaining terror suspects and achieve “operational control” of the border
Border Security Concerns Heightened by Gabbard’s Revelation
In a startling disclosure, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard revealed that the Biden administration had only detained or deported 8 out of more than 100 migrants with suspected ties to ISIS who crossed illegally into the United States. The announcement came during a high-profile border visit to Eagle Pass, Texas, where Gabbard was joined by Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth as the new administration works to strengthen border security measures significantly weakened under the previous administration.
The disturbing revelation has heightened existing concerns about potential national security threats posed by the previous administration’s border policies. Gabbard, a former Democratic Congresswoman now serving in the Trump administration, emphasized that these migrants originated from ISIS recruiting hotbed countries in Central Asia and were known to have connections to an “ISIS affiliated network.” The Intelligence Director’s comments suggest that dozens of individuals with potential terrorist ties may currently be unaccounted for within American borders.
Scope of the Security Breach
The scale of the potential security breach extends well beyond the 100 individuals with direct ISIS ties. According to information provided during the border visit, over 4,000 migrants reportedly used ISIS-linked smugglers to enter the United States during the Biden administration, with hundreds identified as known or suspected terrorists or associates. The Trump administration is now actively working to locate these individuals and address the significant national security implications left in the wake of the previous administration’s border policies.
The presence of potential terrorists among illegal border crossers represents one of the most serious consequences of border security failures. The situation is further complicated by the sheer volume of undocumented entries during the previous administration, making the task of locating specific individuals with terrorist connections exceptionally challenging. Officials have not disclosed specific details about ongoing operations to locate these individuals, likely due to the sensitive nature of counterterrorism operations.
Trump Administration’s Border Strategy
Vice President JD Vance, speaking alongside Gabbard at Eagle Pass, highlighted the significant progress already made under President Trump’s renewed border enforcement policies. According to Vance, illegal crossings in Eagle Pass have plummeted from approximately 1,500 daily to just 30 – a reduction of 98%.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth emphasized that while significant progress has been made, the administration continues working toward achieving what they term “operational control” of the border. The comprehensive approach aims not only to reduce illegal crossings but also to ensure that those who do attempt to enter unlawfully are properly vetted, particularly individuals from regions associated with terrorist activities. The administration has made it clear that national security concerns, including potential terrorist threats, remain a top priority in their border security strategy.
