House Minority Leader Seeks FBI, CIA Briefing after Two Men on Terror Watchlist Stopped at Border

House Minority Leader Seeks FBI, CIA Briefing after Two Men on Terror Watchlist Stopped at Border

  • Apr 07, 2021

Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) would like to have an FBI and CIA classified briefing, as well as other lawmakers, following reports that two people on the on the FBI's terror watchlist were apprehended after crossing the southern border.

McCarthy said that this is part of an ongoing national security risk posed by the border crisis. A letter was sent by McCarthy to the leaders of the two agencies. "While I am grateful for the Border Patrol for doing all they can, I have great concerns for a number of bad actors that have escaped arrest and are living in the United States."

McCarthy requested the briefing on the arrests for himself, and asked that Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY) be included. McCarthy also felt that Vice President Harris would benefit from this briefing. "I hope she, along with the Congressional leaders, could benefit from this briefing.

Immigration officials announced this week that two Yemeni men were arrested about two months apart after crossing into the U.S. near the Calexico Port of Entry in California.

"While encounters of known and suspected terrorists at our borders are very uncommon, they underscore the importance of the critical work our agents carry out on a daily basis to vet all individuals encountered at our borders," a Customs and Border Protection spokesperson told NBC.

Following a surge of migrants traveling northward to the United States in recent weeks, Republicans have been critical of the Biden administration's handling of the border situation, following a surge of migrants heading north to the United States.

McCarthy first warned of "terrorists crossing the border" in March, a claim swatted down by Democrats at the time.

"Weird as the Chairman of the subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations and a border state member of Congress haven't heard anything about this," Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) tweeted last month. "Gonna ask for a briefing. Pretty sure he is either wrong or lying."

Featured

  • The Future of Access Control: Cloud-Based Solutions for Safer Workplaces

    Access controls have revolutionized the way we protect our people, assets and operations. Gone are the days of cumbersome keychains and the security liabilities they introduced, but it’s a mistake to think that their evolution has reached its peak. Read Now

  • A Look at AI

    Large language models (LLMs) have taken the world by storm. Within months of OpenAI launching its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, it amassed more than 100 million users, making it the fastest-growing consumer application in history. Read Now

  • First, Do No Harm: Responsibly Applying Artificial Intelligence

    It was 2022 when early LLMs (Large Language Models) brought the term “AI” into mainstream public consciousness and since then, we’ve seen security corporations and integrators attempt to develop their solutions and sales pitches around the biggest tech boom of the 21st century. However, not all “artificial intelligence” is equally suitable for security applications, and it’s essential for end users to remain vigilant in understanding how their solutions are utilizing AI. Read Now

  • Improve Incident Response With Intelligent Cloud Video Surveillance

    Video surveillance is a vital part of business security, helping institutions protect against everyday threats for increased employee, customer, and student safety. However, many outdated surveillance solutions lack the ability to offer immediate insights into critical incidents. This slows down investigations and limits how effectively teams can respond to situations, creating greater risks for the organization. Read Now

  • Security Today Announces 2025 CyberSecured Award Winners

    Security Today is pleased to announce the 2025 CyberSecured Awards winners. Sixteen companies are being recognized this year for their network products and other cybersecurity initiatives that secure our world today. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.