The Biden administration has faced significant scrutiny over its handling of border security, with critics pointing to a marked increase in illegal immigration and associated risks.
Border Security Concerns
Under President Joe Biden, there has been a notable rise in illegal immigration, particularly at the southern border. Critics argue that this surge includes individuals who pose potential threats to American citizens. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data indicates a sharp increase in encounters with suspected terrorists. In the first seven months of fiscal year 2024 alone, Border Patrol encountered 80 suspected terrorists, compared to just eleven during former President Donald Trump’s term from fiscal years 2017 to 2020.
Apprehensions and Statistics
From fiscal years 2021 to 2024, Border Patrol agents apprehended 367 individuals listed on the terrorist watch list. Additionally, more than seven million illegal immigrants have entered the U.S. unlawfully in less than four years. In September alone, there were over 269,735 encounters with illegal immigrants at the southwest border.
Privacy and Transparency Issues
The Department of Homeland Security recently stated that the “privacy interests” of illegal immigrants take precedence over the public’s right to transparency. In response to a FOIA request by Fox News correspondent Bill Melugin seeking the nationalities of people on the terror watchlist arrested by Border Patrol, DHS replied:
NEW: 6+ months ago, I filed a FOIA request w/ CBP seeking the nationalities of people on the terror watchlist arrested by Border Patrol in recent years. CBP now says they will not turn over that data, citing privacy & law enforcement sensitivity exemptions, telling me:
“The… pic.twitter.com/iMBbiTnmn1
— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) May 16, 2024
Republican Response
Republicans from the House Homeland Security Committee have demanded answers from Biden’s administration regarding how known terrorists were released into the country. They cited multiple instances where these individuals were found living among unsuspecting Americans. The Republicans have also expressed concerns over the increasing number of Chinese nationals apprehended at the U.S.-Mexico border, such as more than 200 illegal Chinese immigrants captured in San Diego within a single week.
Chinese Nationals at the Border
In the initial months of FY24 alone, 27,583 Chinese nationals crossed the southern border illegally. Fiscal year 2023 saw over 37,000 Chinese immigrants at the southern border, with an additional 20,000 plus nationals crossing since October. Since Biden assumed office, there has been a significant surge in apprehensions of Chinese immigrants attempting to enter the U.S. illegally – from single digits to thousands every month.
Ongoing Criticism
Republicans have consistently criticized the Biden Administration for its perceived failure to uphold immigration laws and for allegedly misleading Congress and American citizens about border security.
Source: Biden DHS Claims the Privacy of Illegal Aliens on Terror Watchlist Overrides the Rights of Americans