Local officials in California, specifically San Diego County, are raising concerns about the surge of migrants crossing the southern border and the potential national security threats that it poses. El Cajon Mayor and congressional candidate Bill Wells warned about the possibility of Hamas-style attacks or another 9/11-style attack happening in the United States due to unchecked border crossings. Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens expressed concern about the 140,000 known “gotaways” in fiscal year 2024, as authorities do not know what these individuals may bring into the country or their intentions. Owens emphasized that border security is a critical component of national security.
The apprehension of Fredy Ivan Jandres-Parada, a senior leader of the MS-13 gang at the California-Mexico border, highlights the danger posed by illegal border crossings. San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond raised concerns about the lack of knowledge regarding individuals who may have crossed the border unnoticed, emphasizing the importance of proper vetting and border security measures. Desmond pointed out that border officials can only check databases from the United States and some allies, leaving gaps in their ability to vet individuals from countries like China, Pakistan, and Venezuela.
Desmond stressed the need for proper vetting processes and expressed concerns about the potential consequences of allowing unchecked individuals to enter the country. He highlighted the diverse range of nationalities he encountered at the border, including people from Haiti, India, Pakistan, China, and other countries, raising concerns about the intentions of individuals entering the United States. Desmond warned that the lack of thorough vetting processes could lead to a “rude awakening” if individuals with harmful intentions are able to exploit vulnerabilities in the border security system.
In the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, there was a heightened focus on national security and background checks for individuals entering the country. However, local officials like Wells noted the significant changes in policies related to border crossings, particularly with the increase in migrants claiming asylum. Wells expressed concern that the relaxed approach to border security could have long-term consequences and warned that the country may pay a price for allowing unchecked individuals to enter. Both Wells and Desmond highlighted the need for enhanced border security measures and thorough vetting processes to safeguard against potential national security threats.
The ongoing surge of migrants at the southern border, coupled with the challenges posed by limited vetting processes and the potential for individuals with harmful intentions to exploit vulnerabilities, underscores the urgent need for comprehensive border security measures. Local officials in California continue to raise concerns about the national security threats posed by unchecked border crossings and the need for enhanced vetting processes to protect against potential threats. The apprehension of individuals linked to criminal organizations like MS-13 highlights the risks associated with illegal border crossings and the importance of enforcing strict border security measures to ensure the safety and security of the United States.
