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WASHINGTON, DC — In a Homeland Security Committee hearing, FBI Director Christopher Wray confirmed that the ongoing border crisis is a significant threat to homeland security. Congressman August Pfluger questioned Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Director Wray about the detainment of individuals on the terrorist watchlist.

During the hearing, Congressman Pfluger pressed Director Wray on the issue of known or suspected terrorists (KST) who have not been detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Wray acknowledged that the FBI is still attempting to locate individuals on the terrorist watchlist who have crossed into the United States. He stated, "To be on the watchlist as a KST means that they have met the standard to be of concern."

Congressman Pfluger further inquired about individuals on the terror watchlist who are still being sought by the FBI. Director Wray responded, "One of the areas that we are of concern is individuals who, once here, information later comes in that identifies them." When asked directly if there are people that the FBI is currently searching for, Wray answered, "Yes."

Turning his attention to Secretary Mayorkas, Congressman Pfluger inquired about the policy at DHS and CBP regarding the detainment of individuals on the terror watchlist. Mayorkas explained that individuals who pose a threat to public safety or national security are a priority for enforcement and should be detained. However, when asked about releasing individuals who matched the terror watchlist, Mayorkas stated, "We do not release individuals whose—" before being interrupted by Congressman Pfluger.

Congressman Pfluger continued to question Mayorkas about the detainment of individuals who matched the terror watchlist. Mayorkas responded, "If we believe that the detention of an individual is necessary to safeguard the safety of the American people." When asked if individuals are immediately detained when labeled as a match to the terror watchlist, Mayorkas clarified that a determination is made based on law enforcement responsibilities.

In conclusion, Congressman Pfluger emphasized that there are individuals who should have been detained but are still being searched for by law enforcement agencies. The exchange between Congressman Pfluger, Director Wray, and Secretary Mayorkas underscores the concerning issue of individuals on the terrorist watchlist who have crossed the border and are still at large. As FBI Director Wray confirmed, the border crisis poses a major homeland security threat that requires immediate attention and action.

Click this link to access more information: https://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=947