Former Border Patrol Chief Aaron Heitke’s testimony reveals shocking attempts by the Biden administration to conceal terrorist arrests at the southern border.
At a Glance
- Ex-Border Patrol Chief Aaron Heitke testified that the Biden administration blocked disclosure of terrorist suspect arrests
- Arrests of “Special Interest Aliens” in San Diego sector increased from 10-15 per year to over 100 in 2022
- Over 1.7 million “gotaways” with unknown terror affiliations entered the US without apprehension
- 382 individuals on the terrorist watch list were stopped at the U.S.-Mexico border from FY2021 to FY2024
Biden Administration’s Alleged Cover-Up of Border Crisis
In a startling revelation before the House Committee on Homeland Security, former San Diego Sector Border Patrol Chief Aaron Heitke accused the Biden administration of actively suppressing information about terrorist suspect arrests at the southern border.
This testimony has ignited a firestorm of criticism from conservative lawmakers who argue that the administration’s immigration policies have created a “self-inflicted border crisis” that threatens national security.
Heitke’s testimony paints a disturbing picture of an administration more concerned with optics than national security. He stated that he was explicitly instructed not to disclose information about the increasing number of “Special Interest Aliens” (SIAs) crossing the border, individuals with potential ties to terrorism.
Breaking: Biden-Harris admin muzzled info on suspected terrorists caught at border: Former Border Patrol chief https://t.co/7XtzFRbHnL
— John Solomon (@jsolomonReports) September 19, 2024
Alarming Increase in Terrorist Watchlist Encounters
The numbers presented by Heitke are alarming. In the San Diego sector alone, SIA arrests skyrocketed from a pre-Biden average of 10-15 per year to over 100 in 2022, with subsequent years showing even higher figures. This dramatic increase coincides with a broader trend across the southern border, where encounters with individuals on the terrorist watch list have surged.
“I was told I could not release any information on this increase in [Special Interest Aliens] or mention any of the arrests. The administration was trying to convince the public that there was no threat at the border.” – Ex-San Diego Sector Chief Agent Aaron Heitke.
According to official data, 382 individuals on the terrorist watchlist were apprehended trying to cross the U.S.-Mexico border illegally from FY2021 to FY2024. This is a staggering increase from the mere 11 individuals caught between FY2017 and FY2020, during the Trump administration. The contrast in these numbers underscores the severity of the current border crisis and raises serious questions about the Biden administration’s border security policies.
National Security Implications
The implications of these revelations extend far beyond immigration policy. They strike at the heart of national security concerns. With over 1.7 million “gotaways” – individuals who have entered the country without being apprehended – the potential for terrorists to slip through undetected is a chilling reality. This situation is further complicated by reports of foreign terrorist networks exploiting criminal smuggling routes to enter the Western Hemisphere.
FBI Director Christopher Wray’s testimony about a smuggling network with ISIS ties operating in the region adds another layer of urgency to this crisis. The refusal of the Department of Homeland Security to participate in the House committee hearing only fuels suspicions of a cover-up and raises questions about the administration’s commitment to transparency and national security.
A Call for Accountability
As this story continues to unfold, it’s clear that the American public deserves answers. The Biden administration’s alleged attempts to suppress information about terrorist threats at our southern border represent a grave dereliction of duty. It’s time for Congress to demand full transparency and accountability from an administration that seems more concerned with managing its image than protecting American citizens.
The border crisis is not just about immigration; it’s about national security. As we approach the next election cycle, voters must consider the stark differences between the current administration’s approach and the more assertive border policies of the previous administration. The safety and security of the American people hang in the balance, and it’s crucial that we elect leaders who prioritize protecting our borders and our citizens above all else.
