Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas appeared on CBS News’ “Face the Nation” to discuss the administration’s efforts in combatting criminal gangs and transnational criminal organizations. During the interview, host Margaret Brennan questioned Mayorkas about the recent arrest of 27-year-old Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, an Afghan migrant who entered the U.S. through a humanitarian parole and was later found to be planning a terrorist attack on Election Day.
When asked about the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, Mayorkas stated, “We are indeed doing everything we can to dismantle criminal gangs and transnational criminal organizations…we’ve devoted an unprecedented level of resources and personnel and focus to this effort.” However, Brennan pressed further, asking if the administration is doing enough to combat the gang, citing former President Donald Trump’s previous comments about deporting the group.
Mayorkas defended the department’s actions, stating that they have “new tools, new capabilities and new resources” to fight against gangs and criminal organizations. But Brennan was blunt in her questioning about Tawhedi’s case, asking if he was radicalized before coming to the U.S. and if the administration’s vetting process is sufficient.
Mayorkas explained that Tawhedi came to the U.S. through a humanitarian parole, but the department thoroughly vets individuals when they enter the country. “If we obtain information subsequently that suggests the individual could be of danger, we take appropriate law enforcement action. That’s exactly what we did in this case,” he stated.
The arrest of Tawhedi, a known member of ISIS, highlights the flaws in the Biden-Harris administration’s immigration policies. Despite being flagged as a potential threat, the department approved his entry into the country, and he was able to apply for a special immigration visa (SIV) upon arrival. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of the vetting process and the potential dangers it poses to national security.
While the Biden administration touts a decrease in border crossings under its watch, it is worth noting that even under the Trump administration, the numbers were significantly lower. By the end of Trump’s term, there were around two million illegal border crossings, while Biden has averaged two million per year, according to the Washington Post.
Moreover, the recent news about the Tren de Aragua gang’s presence in Aurora, Colorado is further evidence of the failure of the Biden-Harris administration’s immigration policies. Despite attempts by the city’s mayor and governor to downplay the situation, authorities confirmed that gang members were indeed living in the city and committing acts of violence against the migrant community.
The Biden-Harris administration’s lax immigration policies have contributed to the rise of crime and violence, putting American citizens and migrants at risk. It is time for the administration to take responsibility for its failures and take swift action to protect the country. As former President Trump often emphasized, national security should be a top priority, and it is crucial that we have leaders who are willing to put America first.