South African National on Terrorist Watchlist Detained After Illegally Entering the U.S. – One America News Network
OAN Staff Blake Wolf
4:06 PM – Wednesday, December 18, 2024
A man from South Africa, who had been released after unlawfully crossing the southern border, was re-arrested in New York City after being flagged as a “positive match” on a terrorist watchlist.
Advertisement
The individual, whose name is not disclosed, was previously detained in Texas on charges of criminal trespass but was released shortly thereafter, as reported by U.S. Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens.
“A coordinated effort involving multiple agencies led to the arrest of a South African national suspected of terrorism in Brooklyn, NY. He was initially held in Texas for criminal trespassing but released based on the information available at that time,” Owens stated in a post on X.
“Further investigation later revealed a match on the terrorist watchlist, leading to prompt action by USBP agents and personnel at the National Targeting Center. Thanks to collaboration across agencies, this potential threat was identified, apprehended, and is now in the process of removal. #Bordersecurityisnationalsecurity,” he added.
According to Fox News, a Texas Department of Public Safety official verified that the undocumented migrant was initially apprehended near Eagle Pass in September, before being released by federal border patrol personnel.
Federal statistics indicate a rise in the number of known or suspected terrorists attempting to cross the southern border illegally during President Biden’s administration, attributed to the administration’s lenient border policies. This situation raises concerns about the safety and security of Americans nationwide.
In response to numerous complaints over recent years, the Biden administration has maintained that Border Patrol agents vet all migrants taken into custody.
Nonetheless, in this case involving the South African individual, he was released in Texas prior to an FBI database check being conducted.
Moreover, this year, Border Patrol agents informed outlets such as the New York Post that many countries, including some that are not classified as “third world,” often lack available criminal data about their citizens and do not share this information with U.S. Border Patrol.
The individual from South Africa was later recognized as a terror threat, leading to a multi-agency operation to capture him in Brooklyn, New York, and initiate removal procedures.
“Thanks to coordinated efforts across multiple agencies, this potential threat was located, apprehended, and is now awaiting removal,” Owens concluded.
It remains unclear how or when the suspect made his way to New York City.
Stay updated! Receive breaking news alerts directly to your inbox for free. Subscribe here: https://www.oann.com/alerts
Advertisements below
