A recent letter sent to congressional leaders by a group of former FBI officials, including the former director of the Terrorist Screening Center, has raised concerns about security issues along the southern border of the United States. The letter highlights several alarming issues related to the influx of individuals entering the country.
Among the key points mentioned in the letter is the classification of FBI agents as intelligence officers, which the group argues is inaccurate. FBI agents are not traditionally involved in conducting assessments but rather report facts. The diverse backgrounds of the 10 former officials who wrote the letter underscore the seriousness of the situation.
The group expressed concern about the changing demographics of individuals crossing the border, noting a shift towards adult males comprising 65% of the group. This change has raised red flags for the former officials, especially given the recent increase in known or suspected terrorists apprehended between entry points at the southern border.
Additionally, the group highlighted the issue of “gotaways,” referring to individuals who successfully evade detection at the border, with an estimated 1.8 million people falling into this category. The former border protection official's concern about the scale of this problem adds to the overall security worries expressed in the letter to Congress.
Drawing from past experiences managing the Terrorist Screening Center, the former director noted a significant increase in encounters with individuals of concern, emphasizing the need for vigilant monitoring of potential threats. The group's call to action urges lawmakers to address these pressing security issues and ensure that appropriate measures are in place to protect the nation's borders.
The letter underscores the importance of acknowledging and addressing the security challenges posed by the influx of individuals entering the country through the southern border, particularly in light of the evolving threats facing the United States.