A new report from the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) has sent shockwaves through Washington, revealing that approximately 18,000 known and suspected terrorists were allowed into the United States during the Biden administration.
In a recent interview on Fox News, Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard reacted to these findings, calling the numbers “stunning” and pointing to a heightened domestic threat that has largely gone unaddressed.
Here is a breakdown of the numbers, the failures in vetting, and the immediate actions being taken to secure the homeland.
The Numbers: 18,000 Potential Threats
The report identifies individuals who, under normal circumstances, would never be allowed entry due to ties with jihadi groups like ISIS and al-Qaeda. Yet, according to the interview, the previous administration not only let them in but, in many cases, “facilitated their entry”.
Gabbard emphasized that this figure highlights the severe consequences of the border crisis, where tens of millions crossed illegally over the last four years, creating a massive blind spot for intelligence agencies.
The Afghanistan Withdrawal Connection
A significant portion of this threat stems from the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in the summer and fall of 2021.
- 100,000+ Evacuees: Tens of thousands were brought into the US following the Taliban takeover.
- Vetting Failures: Gabbard stated that the “vast majority” were not vetted to the standard required.
- 2,000 Specific Threats: Of those evacuees, at least 2,000 are now known to have ties to (or are suspected) terrorists.
The Solution: “Re-Vetting” Everyone
The current administration is now in a race against time to identify and remove these individuals.
- Collaboration: The NCTC is working with the FBI and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to track down these threats.
- Re-Vetting Program: A massive effort is underway to “re-vet every single one” of the individuals who entered under these questionable circumstances.
- Deportation Acceleration: The interview noted that deportations of illegal potential threats have ramped up, moving from 600 to 1,000 removals a week.
The Real-World Cost: Attacks on US Soil
Gabbard connected these abstract numbers to tragic real-world events, specifically referencing a recent attack on National Guard members.
- The Incident: Two National Guard members were gunned down; one lost her life, and another is clinging to life.
- The Controversy: Gabbard expressed fury at political leaders who refuse to label such incidents as “terrorist attacks,” specifically calling out a heated exchange with Congressman Benny Thompson who referred to the killing as an “unfortunate accident”.
Tulsi’s Take: “It is absolutely infuriating… to think that was an ‘incident’ and you can’t say an assassination or murder is unbelievable”.
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