Senator Graham Criticizes Biden’s Border Policies in Light of ISIS Concerns

Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, strongly criticized the border security policies of the Biden administration in response to a recent report by the Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The report identified shortcomings in adequately screening and vetting individuals entering the United States. It was released at the same time as the arrest of eight individuals from Tajikistan suspected of having connections to ISIS by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in a nationwide operation.

Graham, who is the ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, emphasized the need for the full Senate to be briefed on the potential threat posed by ISIS fighters entering the country through the southern border.

“I am concerned that the arrests of eight individuals from Tajikistan are just the beginning,” Graham expressed. “The DHS Inspector General report on vetting clearly shows that catch and release policies and inadequate vetting procedures are insufficient.”

“I hope that the administration takes the DHS Inspector General’s report seriously and implements necessary reforms. The tragic case of Laken Riley, where the accused murderer was paroled into the country due to lack of detention space rather than legal factors, is a stark example of the consequences of these shortcomings for our nation,” Graham added.

Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student from Georgia, was killed in February by Jose Ibarra, a 26-year-old illegal immigrant from Venezuela. Ibarra entered the U.S. illegally in September 2022 and was released after a short time in custody. Despite being arrested for endangering a child in New York before Riley’s murder, he was not detained.

“The DHS Inspector General report and the ICE sting operation underscore the urgent need for action,” Graham emphasized. “I urge the Senate to be briefed on the extent of the threat and to take corrective measures before it’s too late.”

Following the ICE sting operation, the FBI and DHS issued a joint statement regarding recent actions against noncitizens linked to terrorism.

“In recent days, ICE agents have apprehended several noncitizens using immigration authorities,” the statement, as reported by the New York Post, read. “These actions were carried out in close coordination with the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Forces, and those apprehended are currently detained by ICE pending removal procedures.”

The FBI and DHS have issued warnings about an increased terrorist threat in the U.S. and have committed to collaborating with partners to identify, investigate, and prevent potential security threats.

Graham’s call for action comes amidst growing concerns about terrorism at the southern border.

FBI Director Christopher Wray previously testified that foreign terrorists attempting to cross the border are a significant concern, noting an increase in encounters with known or suspected terrorists in recent years. Encounters peaked in the 2023 fiscal year.