Eight individuals with suspected ties to ISIS and originating from Tajikistan were apprehended in New York, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with the collaboration of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF). The detainees, who entered the country via the southern border, are currently detained on immigration violations and facing potential removal proceedings. Concerns of terrorist activities were raised after wiretaps revealed discussions about bombings, prompting heightened vigilance among officials and law enforcement agencies.
Suspected ISIS Affiliates Arrested in U.S.
Eight individuals from Tajikistan with suspected ties to ISIS were arrested in New York, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles last week. The operation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in collaboration with the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF). The detainees had entered the United States via the southern border and are being held on immigration violations while facing proceedings for possible removal from the country.
Officials reported that wiretaps revealed one suspect discussing bombings, raising concerns of potential terrorist attacks reminiscent of 9/11 or the Boston Marathon bombing. Representatives, including Rep. Rich McCormick (R-Ga.) and Rep. Kat Cammack (R-Fla.), expressed heightened concerns about national security and criticized the Biden administration’s border policies. FBI Director Christopher Wray also noted an elevated threat environment, particularly against Jewish communities, following recent international events.
The arrests come amid rising concerns about terrorist threats exploiting vulnerabilities at the U.S.-Mexico border. The FBI and Department of Homeland Security continue to monitor and disrupt potential threats to national security.
