Hawley grills Mayorkas on ‘uptick in potential terrorist-linked illegal aliens’ at southern border

In light of the recent acts of terrorism committed by Hamas in Israel, Hawley called on the Biden administration official to ensure the issue was dealt with in a prompt manner so as to ensure people in the United States do not become victims of a senseless attack by someone who entered the country illegally.

"I write with alarm regarding the uptick in potential terrorist-linked illegal aliens encountered at the southern border," Hawley wrote. "This development follows the barbaric attack perpetrated by Hamas terrorists on innocent American and Israeli civilians."

He told Mayorkas it was "imperative that [he] address this issue immediately to ensure the safety of American citizens, especially Jewish Americans, who are facing increased threats to their physical safety following the Hamas attack."

In his letter, Hawley cited the fact that border patrol agents encountered 151 people on the US terror watch list entering the country illegally in Fiscal Year 2023, which is a higher total than the previous six years combined.

In addition to those on the terror watch list, border patrol agents have reported arresting thousands of so-called "special interest aliens," those who hail from numerous countries in the Middle East and beyond that have been flagged by the federal government as being hotbeds of terrorism or other activities that threaten national security.

"Illegal aliens with potential ties to terrorist organizations such as Hamas and Hezbollah have no place in the United States," Hawley added, telling Mayorkas it was "critical that you abandon your radical open border policies."

He concluded by demanding Mayorkas reveal how many "special interest aliens" had been released into the country, and respond to questions regarding steps the Biden administration has taken to tackle the issue and ensure those affiliated with terrorist organizations do not gain entry.