Snip Quote:

In contrast, the southwest border saw 34 KST apprehensions over the same timeframe, with 30 occurring between ports of entry and four at the ports themselves. The cumulative data for the first three months of fiscal 2024 indicates a total of 80 KST apprehensions, with a majority—46—taking place at the northern border.

These numbers project to surpass the total apprehensions in fiscal year 2023, which stood at 736. Remarkably, 66% of these apprehensions occurred at the northern border, marking the highest number of KSTs ever recorded in U.S. history.

By Francis Dependo December 30, 2023

We’re catching them up north and in the south. Our enemies are in the gates…. thanks to Biden and the Democrats. It is as if they want terror attacks in America.

In a recent incident near Niagara Falls, New York, U.S. authorities apprehended an Iranian national with terrorist ties who had illegally entered the United States. This event unfolded amid a surge in the apprehension of known or suspected terrorists (KSTs) during the first quarter of fiscal year 2024 at the northern border.

People laughed when I visited the Northern Border & raised this issue months ago. This has been a major problem for at least the last 12-24 months & we can’t ignore it any longer- Vivek Ramaswamy

The individual in question initially attempted to enter the U.S. on October 10 by presenting himself to American immigration authorities at the Rainbow Bridge Pedestrian Walkway in Niagara Falls, New York. However, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers denied him entry, promptly returning him to the Canada Border Services Agency on the same day.

Iranian with terrorist ties apprehended at northern border “The Canadian resident’s return to Canada to face charges is due to the dedicated officers on both sides of the border, working in tandem, to provide public safety for our communities.” – Steve Gruber linking to Center Square article

Undeterred, the Iranian national made a second attempt on October 12, this time illegally entering the U.S. in an area outside the Whirlpool Bridge Port of Entry in Niagara Falls, New York. Acting without admission or parole from designated immigration officials, the individual was apprehended by enforcement agents.

Notably, the Iranian national is also a permanent resident of Canada and is considered a national security priority. Canadian authorities had sought him on assault charges, according to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

ICE ERO Buffalo agents served him with an expedited removal order on November 8, and on December 21, he was officially removed to Canada. Thomas Brophy, the Director of ICE ERO Buffalo Field Office, emphasized the importance of the collaborative efforts between U.S. and Canadian law enforcement in enhancing national security and preventing dangerous individuals from evading justice.

This incident coincided with a report from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations, revealing that a record 45 KSTs had been apprehended at northern border ports of entry since the commencement of fiscal year 2024 on October 1. Additionally, Border Patrol agents detained one KST between ports of entry during the same period.