Lawmakers urge Biden to secure US border to prevent domestic terror attack.
Lawmakers Raise Concerns About Hamas Attack and Homeland Security
Lawmakers in Washington, D.C., are expressing new concerns about the potential impact of the recent Hamas terrorist attack in Israel on homeland security in the United States, particularly at the vulnerable southern border.
Both Republican and Democratic members of Congress are calling for increased efforts to secure the U.S. southern border with Mexico, citing the alarming breach of the Israel-Gaza Strip border by militants from a foreign terrorist organization who committed mass atrocities.
U.S. Homeland Security Chairman Calls for Action
House Homeland Security Chairman Mark Green (R-TN) has been leading the charge among House Republicans, urging the Biden administration to address the escalating border crisis. He emphasizes that the open border policies of Secretary Mayorkas have provided a golden opportunity for evil actors, including terrorist groups, to exploit weaknesses in national security.
Green states, “The horrific and cowardly attacks on our indispensable ally Israel serve as a sober reminder that we cannot take our own homeland security for granted.”
Fixing Border Vulnerabilities
Representative August Pfluger (R-TX) not only calls for President Joe Biden to declare unwavering support for Israel but also to finally acknowledge and address the vulnerabilities at the U.S. border. He highlights that over 7 million people have attempted to enter the country without authorization during Biden’s tenure, putting American citizens at risk.
Pfluger, chairman of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Intelligence, Counterterrorism, and Law Enforcement, emphasizes the need to recognize the failure to secure the border and take action.
Border Patrol Overwhelmed
The situation at the southern border has overwhelmed the 19,000-person Border Patrol. Due to a shortage of agents, many illegal immigrants have been able to enter the country and evade capture. Mexican smuggling organizations, known as cartels, exploit this situation to divert agents for their own advantage.
Green warns that these policies are disastrous from a national security perspective, allowing 1.6 million known individuals to enter the country, some of whom could be bad actors.
Record Number of Terror Watch List Encounters
Border Patrol agents have encountered 151 non-U.S. citizens on the FBI’s terror watch list, the highest annual number in the agency’s history. This surpasses previous records and highlights the seriousness of the threat posed by terrorists attempting to cross the U.S.-Mexico border.
Additionally, thousands of illegal immigrants from special interest countries, including Afghanistan, Egypt, Iran, and Syria, have been arrested at the border.
Preventing Terrorists from Entering the United States
Lawmakers from both parties express a strong desire to prevent terrorists from entering the United States, particularly through the southern border. They also acknowledge the need to pay attention to the northern border with Canada, which lacks a large-scale government barrier.
Representative Clay Higgins (R-LA) and Representative Henry Cuellar (D-TX) both emphasize the importance of securing the border to protect national security. Cuellar, who has helped increase CBP’s budget, calls for more technology and staffing at ports of entry and in between.
“Border security is national security,” Cuellar states. “The horrific attacks in Israel reaffirm the need to secure our border and prevent terrorists from entering our country.”
In what ways can the Biden administration collaborate with international partners to prevent future attacks and address global security challenges
Urgent need to secure the U.S. southern border, stating, ”We must prioritize the safety and well-being of our own citizens by implementing stronger border policies to prevent the entry of potential threats and secure our homeland.”
Additionally, lawmakers are expressing concerns about the potential infiltration of terrorist organizations and their operatives into the United States through the southern border. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX), the ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, warns that the Hamas attack in Israel serves as a grim reminder of the potential dangers that can arise from porous borders. He emphasizes the need for increased intelligence sharing and collaboration between U.S. and international security agencies to identify and prevent such threats.
The bipartisan concern about homeland security has also prompted members of Congress to push for enhanced measures to detect and intercept individuals who may be affiliated with terrorist organizations. Representative Michael Guest (R-MS), a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, calls for increased funding and resources for border patrol agents, as well as improved technological capabilities to enhance border surveillance and identify potential threats.
Lawmakers are demanding that the Biden administration take immediate action to address the vulnerabilities at the southern border and strengthen national security measures. They stress the importance of a comprehensive approach that includes both physical barriers and technology-based solutions to ensure the safety and security of the American people.
International Cooperation
An attack orchestrated by a foreign terrorist organization highlights the interconnectedness of global security challenges. Members of Congress are urging the Biden administration to engage in international efforts to combat terrorism and exchange intelligence with allies to prevent future attacks. They emphasize the need for a unified approach in addressing threats posed by terrorist organizations, such as Hamas.
Furthermore, lawmakers stress the importance of supporting and standing in solidarity with U.S. allies, particularly Israel, in the face of such attacks. Representative Ted Deutch (D-FL) highlights the strong bond between the United States and Israel and calls for unwavering support for Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorism. He urges the Biden administration to take decisive action to address the threat posed by Hamas and other terrorist organizations.
In Conclusion
The recent Hamas attack in Israel has raised concerns among lawmakers about the potential impact on U.S. homeland security, particularly the vulnerabilities at the southern border. Members of Congress, both Republican and Democratic, are urging the Biden administration to take swift and decisive action to address these concerns. They emphasize the need for enhanced border security, increased intelligence sharing, and cooperation with international partners to prevent the entry of potential threats and protect the American people. The attack also underscores the importance of standing in solidarity with U.S. allies, such as Israel, in the face of terrorism.
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