Senator Graham strongly criticizes Biden’s border policies amidst concerns over ISIS

Senator Lindsey Graham, 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 exposed flaws in the screening and vetting process of individuals entering the United States. The release of the report coincided with the arrest of eight individuals from Tajikistan suspected of having ties to ISIS by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in a nationwide sting operation.

Senator Graham, the ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, stated during a hearing on Thursday that the full Senate should be briefed about the threat of ISIS fighters entering the U.S. through the southern border.

“I am concerned that the arrest of eight individuals from Tajikistan is just the beginning,” Graham remarked. “The DHS Inspector General’s report on vetting highlights that catch and release and inadequate vetting practices are unacceptable.”

“I hope that the Biden administration takes the DHS Inspector General’s report seriously and implements reforms. The tragic case of Laken Riley, where the accused murderer was released into the country despite not meeting legal requirements, illustrates the urgent need for change,” Graham added.

Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student from Georgia, was murdered by Jose Ibarra, a 26-year-old illegal immigrant from Venezuela who entered the U.S. unlawfully in September 2022. Ibarra was released after a day in custody and went on to commit the crime that ended Riley’s life.

“The DHS Inspector General report is a wake-up call, and the ICE sting operation underscores the urgency of the situation. I urge the Senate to take action before it’s too late,” Graham emphasized.

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

“ICE agents apprehended several noncitizens in recent days, working closely with the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Forces. These individuals are currently detained in ICE custody awaiting removal proceedings,” the statement, as reported by the New York Post, read.

The FBI and DHS have cautioned about a heightened threat environment in the U.S. and reaffirmed their commitment to collaborating with partners to address potential national security risks.

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

FBI Director Christopher Wray testified that foreign terrorists attempting to cross the border are a major concern. He disclosed that encounters with known or suspected terrorists at the border have increased over the past five years, reaching a record high in the 2023 fiscal year.