Pam Bondi raises alarm over illegal Iranian immigrants after Iran–U.S. escalation
Attorney General Pam Bondi warns of national security threats after confirming that over 1,000 Iranian nationals have entered the U.S. illegally in recent years.
The United States Department of Justice, under Attorney General Pam Bondi, issued a high alert regarding Iranian nationals living within the nation illegally. It follows the revelation that the Biden administration released over 700 Iranian migrants who crossed into the southern border. They fall under the category "special interest aliens," who require stricter screening since they have possible terrorism ties. No definitive threats have been set, but officials warn of possible sleeper cells or lone wolves within U.S. territory.
Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott issued a memo to border agents, pointing out Iran's hostility toward the United States. He stated that the threat of sleeper cells is higher than ever and instructed agents to be more cautious even when not on duty. Between FY2021 and FY2024, more than 1,500 Iranian nationals were apprehended, with half of them being released, fueling heightened cause for concern.
U.S. on high alert after Iran strikes; NYC steps up security over terror, cyber threats
The DOJ, DHS, and FBI have all echoed the higher threat level, specifically after US attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities as part of "Operation Midnight Hammer." Each of these agencies has asserted heightened risk of retaliatory violence, including possible violence spurred by Iran's religious leadership. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has also released a terrorism bulletin predicting possible threats to occur over the next three months.
New York state responded to the threat by boosting security on all fronts. Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York Police Department enhanced transportation node and vulnerable area security. Federal authorities also predicted higher risks for cyberattack and antisemitic threats as the standoff between Israel and other Middle Eastern nations heated up. The response is evidence of growing concern about physical and digital security.
DOJ warns of national security risks as over 1,000 Iranians enter U.S. illegally
Attorney General Pam Bondi testified to a House subcommittee that over 1,000 Iranians have entered the U.S. illegally in the past few years. She reaffirmed the high alert status and stated a number of active investigations are aimed at potential homeland security threats. While Bondi would not give details for security reasons, she emphasized the situation is being monitored very closely.
Map showing recent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian targets amid escalating tensions and security concerns over undocumented Iranian nationals in the U.S. Photo: Fox News
Even after Iran's failed missile strike on the American base in Qatar, which was shot down in mid-air before it could hit its target, federal officials remain in high alert. The tripartite reaction of DOJ, DHS, and intelligence agencies is a betrayal of the threat level. Officials still consider the presence of unauthorized Iranian citizens as a probable national security threat.
