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Tuberville, senators say open border ‘invites’ terrorist groups

U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville is demanding answers from the Department of Homeland Security about the threat from Chinese nationals and suspected terrorists entering the country through the southern border.

Tuberville (R-Auburn) joined six of his colleagues in the Senate sending a letter to Homeland Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas about the threat and calling on the administration to secure the border.

“Under the Biden Administration our nation has experienced an unprecedented number of apprehensions at our Southern border, now totaling over six million crossings,” the senators wrote. “Also troubling, in Fiscal Year 2023 there were 169 individuals on the terror watchlist apprehended at the border, compared to zero in Fiscal Year 2019. Considering the threats our nation faces from China, Russia, Iran, and other adversaries, it’s past time this Administration secures our border and protects American citizens.”

The senators believe the recent terrorist attack in Israel should be a wakeup call to the administration about potential threats.

“In light of the barbaric attack in Israel, we are also concerned about Iran’s proxies and other terrorist groups taking advantage of the Southern border to launch a terror attack from within our homeland,” the letter said. “As you are well aware, Hamas terrorists breached Israel’s borders in an unprecedented multi-pronged infiltration using parachutes, motorboats, motorbikes, and bulldozers. This invasion occurred despite Israel’s extensive border fortifications. These attacks from Hamas and Hezbollah on Israel have sadly so far resulted in the deaths of over 1,400 Israelis and 31 Americans. Given this Administration has left our Southern border wide open, our nation is threatened. In 2023, terrorists used the Southern border to their advantage. It’s no secret that Iran wants to assassinate U.S. officials, and has repeatedly attacked U.S. service members through their proxies in the region. This Administration’s failure to secure our border is a deep vulnerability that only invites future threats from various terrorist groups.”

They also expressed concern about the threats from the Chinese Communist Party.

“Further, we know the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has increased their espionage efforts against the United States — from the CCP spy balloon that traversed over our country unchecked to at least 100 recent attempts by Chinese nationals to access U.S. military installations,” the senators wrote. “In Fiscal Year 2023, there were over 20,000 Chinese nationals that crossed through our Southern border. The CCP or any adversary through a proxy or otherwise, cannot be allowed to launch an attack against our country. It’s difficult to project credible American military power and deterrence abroad when the Biden Administration cannot or will not even secure our own border.”

Tuberville and his colleagues concluded that the Biden administration needs to secure the border now.

“That is why we demand your departments finally work to secure the border and protect American citizens. The U.S. Constitution is clear — the government must provide for the common defense. President Biden and this Administration have failed to live up to their most solemn Constitutional duty,” the senators said. “We implore you, once and for all, to secure the border and protect the American people.”

Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on Twitter @Yaffee

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