Written by Michael Thompson.

Border Security Fails to Detect Terrorist Threat. An Afghan national, previously unidentified as a threat, was recently arrested after living illegally in the U.S. for over a year. This incident underscores significant lapses in the nation’s border control and security measures.

Breakdown in Border Security

Mohammed Kharwin, linked to the radical Islamist terror group Hezb-e-Islami, managed to cross the southern border undetected and settle in the country. Hezb-e-Islami has been responsible for numerous attacks, including those that resulted in American casualties. Despite this, Kharwin entered near San Ysidro, California, and was not flagged as a threat initially due to gaps in the vetting process. Only after a year did the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) receive critical information that placed him on the terror watchlist, leading to his arrest in San Antonio, Texas.

Inadequate Initial Vetting

The DHS’s initial failure to identify Kharwin as a terror threat raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of U.S. border security. The lapse allowed Kharwin to roam freely within the country, potentially endangering national security. DHS later attempted to rectify this by adding him to the watchlist and finally apprehending him, but questions about the delay and the efficacy of border security protocols persist.

Consequences and Accountability

This case exemplifies the broader systemic issues plaguing U.S. immigration and border security systems. Despite DHS assurances of rigorous security checks, the fact that a known member of a terror group could live in the U.S. undetected for so long illustrates a disconcerting reality. These gaps in security protocols not only expose vulnerabilities but also suggest a need for comprehensive reform within the agency.

Political Repercussions

The incident has further intensified scrutiny on Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, who is currently facing impeachment hearings. Critics, including Senator John Kennedy, argue that the ongoing border chaos under Mayorkas’s watch serves political agendas rather than the country’s safety, potentially impacting electoral processes and national security.

Our Take

The recent arrest of Mohammed Kharwin highlights a troubling oversight in U.S. border security. It is unacceptable that an individual linked to terrorism could enter and reside in the U.S. undetected due to systemic failures. This incident should serve as a wake-up call for an overhaul of our immigration and border security practices. We must ensure that our borders are not just lines on a map but robust barriers against those who seek to harm us. The safety of American citizens must be the top priority, and political motivations should never compromise it.

Mayorkas Comes Unglued When John Kennedy Confronts Him With Illegal Immigration Facts

Department of Homeland Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, who is facing a looming impeachment trial in the U.S. Senate, had a 'meltdown' on Wednesday when Republican Congressman John Kennedy… pic.twitter.com/dExP8enGAV

— Kyle Becker (@kylenabecker) April 11, 2024