politics
U.S. officials report arrests of more than 1,900 noncitizens labeled known terrorists
Homeland Security officials stated that more than 1,900 noncitizens inside the United States who entered during the prior administration have been arrested. The same officials said the individuals were already known as terrorists before entry and are distinct from those on the terrorism watch list.
usatoday.comAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
Developing·Limited corroboration so far. This page will refresh as more sources emerge.
U.S. officials have arrested more than 1,900 noncitizens inside the country who they describe as known terrorists that entered during the previous administration. A Cabinet official made the statement at a press conference in New York City on Wednesday.
The official said the arrests occurred since the current president took office and that the individuals were already identified as terrorists before they entered.
Security preparations for upcoming events The same official told reporters that federal, state, and local police are on alert for threats at the FIFA World Cup and America 250 celebrations. Measures include counter-unmanned aerial systems and coordination among local, state, and federal agencies.
The official added that authorities remain concerned about individuals not currently tracked but said existing resources are being used to address known cases.
Watch list figures cited Officials stated that the federal government is aware of 18,000 people on the FBI terrorism watch list who entered during the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan. Historical data showed annual encounters with watch-list individuals typically numbered in the hundreds, mostly at northern border ports of entry.
