U.S. intelligence and security officials are intensifying their focus on the southern border, concerned that the constant flow of migrants has drawn the attention of the Islamic State (ISIS). The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has identified over 400 migrants from Central Asia and other regions who entered the U.S. in the past three years as “subjects of concern” due to their connection with an ISIS-affiliated human smuggling network, according to multiple U.S. officials.
The increased vigilance follows the recent arrests of eight men from Tajikistan who crossed into the U.S. via its southern border with Mexico, some over a year ago. Initial background checks were clean, but subsequent investigations revealed potential links to ISIS.
Ken Wainstein, the DHS undersecretary for intelligence and analysis, highlighted the concern, noting the past involvement of Central Asians in significant terrorist attacks. Over 150 of the identified individuals have been detained, while the whereabouts of more than 50 remain unknown. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is actively seeking to arrest them on immigration charges.
A U.S. official indicated that individuals affiliated with ISIS are involved in human smuggling in Central Asia, helping people travel to the West and then into the U.S. It remains unclear whether this smuggling activity directly funds ISIS operations or if it is a source of personal income for ISIS members involved in smuggling.
Although there is no indication that the 400 migrants in question have plans to conduct terrorist activities in the U.S., authorities are acting out of an abundance of caution. A senior Biden administration official emphasized the need to mitigate potential risks.
Since ICE began arresting migrants linked to the ISIS-affiliated smuggling network, no direct threats to the U.S. homeland have emerged. However, the network’s ties to other smuggling operations, such as one involving Uzbek nationals last summer, have raised concerns. In that incident, migrants facilitated by an individual with ISIS ties were later found to have entered the U.S. through the southern border.
Recent U.S. and Turkish sanctions target a Eurasian human smuggling network supporting ISIS members in Turkey. Key figures in this network include Olimkhon Ismailov in Uzbekistan and Adam Khamirzaev, the IS leader in Georgia. The U.S. State Department reported that Khamirzaev was aware of efforts to facilitate travel to the U.S.
Former FBI counterterrorism section chief Christopher O’Leary noted the urgency in locating these individuals, with ICE using immigration charges to detain those who might pose a national security threat. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas confirmed that while there is no evidence these individuals are plotting harm, the DHS is proceeding with extreme caution.
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