ICE and FBI Capture 8 Tajik Nationals with ISIS Ties After They Crossed Border

Eight Tajikistan nationals with ISIS connections were arrested by ICE and FBI in New York City, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia after initially crossing the US border undetected. This operation highlights the ongoing security challenges at the US southern border.

NEW YORK, NY (4-minute read) — Eight Tajikistan nationals with suspected ties to ISIS have been arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in cooperation with the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force. The coordinated operation took place in New York City, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia, according to a federal source who confirmed the details to Fox News.

All eight Tajikistan nationals had entered the United States illegally through the southern border. Initially, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) did not flag any derogatory information about these individuals during their processing. However, further investigations revealed connections to ISIS, prompting their arrests.

A federal source disclosed that the suspected terrorists were initially “fully vetted” without raising any alarms. Yet, once the Tajikistan nationals were released into the U.S., further intelligence gathering highlighted their national security risks, including direct ties to ISIS. This sting operation was first reported by Jennie Taer of the New York Post, who also revealed that part of the investigation included wiretaps. These wiretaps captured one individual discussing bombs, heightening concerns over potential terrorist activities.

One source referenced a chilling comment made during these discussions: “Remember the Boston marathon [bombing]? I’m afraid something like that might happen again or worse,” underscoring the severity of the threat posed by these individuals.

This incident highlights significant gaps in border security and the ongoing challenges faced by U.S. authorities in preventing terrorists from entering the country.

Safety Tip: Always stay informed about the current threat levels and security alerts in your area. Understanding the risks can help you remain vigilant and prepared for any potential incidents.