Tyler Reporter

Congressman Lance Gooden (R-TX) has expressed concern over reports of terror threats infiltrating the southern border and has called for action from Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. In letters addressed to both secretaries, Gooden emphasized the need for a strategic plan to secure the border and ensure the safety of American citizens.

Gooden cited alarming statistics on illegal crossings and the apprehension of "special interest aliens" in his letters. According to internal data from Customs and Border Protection (CBP), agents intercepted 6,386 Afghans, 3,153 Egyptians, 659 Iranians, and 538 Syrians between official entry points from October 2021 to October 2023. Additionally, the 2023 fiscal year witnessed a record-breaking 151 individuals on the FBI terror watch list encountered at the southern border between designated ports, surpassing the total of the preceding six years combined.

The letters sent by Congressman Gooden can be accessed on the following links: [link to the letter to the State Department] and [link to the letter to the Department of Homeland Security]. The letters were co-signed by several other representatives, including Byron Donalds (FL), Stephanie Bice (OK), Andy Ogles (TN), Ralph Norman (SC), Matthew Rosendale (MT), Brian Babin (TX), Keith Self (TX), George Santos (NY), Scott DesJarlais, M.D. (TN), Michael Burgess, M.D. (TX), Chip Roy (TX), Cory Mills (FL), Michael Waltz (FL), Nicole Malliotakis (NY), Mary Miller (IL), Pete Sessions (TX), Josh Brecheen (OK), and Pete Stauber (MN).

Congressman Gooden's concerns highlight the need for a comprehensive approach to border security. With the increasing number of individuals from countries of concern being intercepted at the southern border, it is crucial to address the potential threat of terrorist infiltration. The safety and security of American citizens must be prioritized, and immediate action is necessary to prevent any potential harm.

The letters from Congressman Gooden and the co-signers serve as a call to action, urging Secretary Blinken and Secretary Mayorkas to develop and implement a strategic plan that effectively secures the southern border. By doing so, the United States can mitigate the risk of terrorist infiltration and protect the well-being of its citizens.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://gooden.house.gov/press-releases?ID=D9EE40BE-41E5-405D-84F8-D1A9E654453A