A new report by the House Homeland Security Committee found that suspected terrorists have infiltrated the so-called migrant caravans, as the Trump administration has been warning.
The overall findings were compiled over a six-month period by the Homeland Security Committee based on briefings, meetings, and site visits by its members and staff to Brazil, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Columbia, Mexico, and Panama.
The Center for Immigration Studies highlighted some other findings including the discovery of ISIS materials and other publications encouraging followers to cross into the U.S. from the southwest border.
Further, DHS border patrol agents “routinely” encounter SIAs at border crossings.
According to Fox News, Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen reportedly told Democrat leaders at the White House last week that border patrol officials apprehended about 3,000 people with terrorist ties and 17,000 criminals seeking to cross into the U.S. in 2018.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi responded, “I reject your facts” regarding Nielsen’s presentation.
Do you believe lack of security at the southern border creates a terrorist threat?
We are working hard at the Border, but we need a WALL! In 2018, 1.7 million pounds of narcotics seized, 17,000 adults arrested with criminal records, and 6000 gang members, including MS-13, apprehended. A big Human Trafficking problem.
Trump is slated to address the nation about the need for increased security measures at the border, including over 200 miles of new barrier fencing.
Trump told reporters at the White House he may declare a national emergency in order to get funding to build a border wall.
“We can call a national emergency because of the security of our country… I haven’t done it, I may do it,” he said.
USA Today reported that presidents have broad powers to make such declarations.
The other means those opposed to the border barrier would likely take is to seek an injunction stopping construction, probably in the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which has shown the greatest willingness to oppose the president’s policies, particularly on issues related to immigration.
The Trump administration would then almost certainly have to engage in a lengthy court battle all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, where it may or may not get a favorable ruling.