Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas is under scrutiny for avoiding questions about an Afghan national’s alleged Election Day terror plot connected to ISIS.
At a Glance
- Chairman Mark E. Green sent a letter to DHS Secretary Mayorkas regarding two Afghan nationals’ arrests linked to an Election Day terror plot.
- Concerns rise over the Biden administration’s vetting process following the Afghanistan withdrawal.
- Mayorkas evades questions while emphasizing disaster relief efforts.
- Lawmakers express frustration over lack of transparency in DHS’s handling of the alleged plot.
Heightened Security Concerns
House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Mark E. Green addressed DHS Secretary Mayorkas and FBI Director Christopher Wray about the arrest of two Afghan nationals in Oklahoma City. The individuals were allegedly planning an ISIS-inspired terrorist attack on Election Day, raising significant concerns about the vetting process of evacuees from Afghanistan.
One suspect entered the U.S. with a Special Immigrant Visa following the U.S.’s exit from Afghanistan. Given the circumstance, it has spotlighted broader issues regarding the Biden administration’s immigrant vetting protocols, especially after the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal. According to DHS reports, the screening process faced obstacles, risking national security with inadequately vetted entrants.
Under Biden, Harris, and Mayorkas’ watch, an Afghan national with ties to ISIS and who was plotting a terrorist attack was let into our country. This is what happens when Democrats prioritize open borders over American safety. https://t.co/hKK0rxTCMb
— Congressman Michael Cloud (@RepCloudTX) October 10, 2024
Lack of Transparency
During a recent hearing, Secretary Mayorkas avoided questions about Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, who was arrested for allegedly planning an Election Day terror plot. Despite persistent questioning by lawmakers, Mayorkas provided no specific details, citing the sensitive nature of the intelligence involved in ongoing investigations.
“We have a responsibility to ensure that the details of ongoing investigations and security operations are not compromised.”
The apparent evasion by Mayorkas has led lawmakers to express frustration due to lack of public trust and qualifications in vetting procedures conducted by DHS. While the administration insists on a multilayered vetting process, instances like this indicate that radical elements remain a concern on U.S. soil post-entry.
Alejandro Mayorkas dodges questions about the Afghani National who entered America and planned a terrorist attack for Election Day. https://t.co/pGfno8SL7J
— MRC NewsBusters (@newsbusters) October 10, 2024
Bipartisan Criticism
Tensions persist between lawmakers and the Biden administration over national security and immigration, sparked by the Afghanistan withdrawal in 2021. Critics continue to demand more information regarding the motives, execution of the alleged plot, and how it was foiled to ensure future election security is uncompromised.
“Jacqui, I — I’m here in North Carolina, communicating with the individuals who are still conducting search and rescue operations, over 200 people have lost their lives in Hurricane Helene.”
Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas’s focus on disaster relief during the briefing was evident, though some lawmakers perceive it as a deflection from discussing national security concerns. The Committee remains vigilant about the risks of potential “lone wolf” attacks igniting on U.S. soil under existing immigration and vetting strategies.
Sources
1. Reporter Questions Mayorkas About Afghan Arrested Over Alleged Election Day Terror Plot
2. Mayorkas Dodges Questions on Afghan National’s Election Day Terror Plot
