Additional Coverage:
ICE Arrests Suspected ISIS Affiliates
In June, federal agents arrested eight Tajik nationals with alleged ties to the Islamic State terrorist group. To prevent potential terrorist plots, the raids were conducted in Los Angeles, New York, and Philadelphia.
Expedited Removals
After four months in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities, three of the men have been returned to Tajikistan and Russia. Four more await deportation flights to Central Asia. Only one man remains in detention, facing similar legal proceedings.
Intelligence Sharing
The arrests sparked a departure from post-9/11 intelligence-sharing practices. The Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, and Intelligence Community are now sharing classified information with U.S. immigration judges to improve decision-making.
Terrorism Concerns
The arrests underscore the U.S. government’s heightened terrorism concerns. A joint intelligence bulletin warns of foreign terrorist organizations exploiting recent attacks to recruit radicalized followers.
Tajik Involvement in Terrorism
Tajik nationals have been involved in foiled terrorism plots in various countries, including Russia, Iran, Turkey, and Europe. The attacks have been linked to ISIS-K, an offshoot of ISIS that emerged in 2015.
Enhanced Screening
ICE now routinely screens foreign nationals from Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and other Central Asian countries for potential extremist or terrorist links.
Border Encounters
Approximately 139 individuals flagged by the FBI’s terror watchlist have been encountered at the U.S.-Mexico border this fiscal year. The number has decreased slightly from the previous year.
Diplomatic Cooperation
The expedited return of the three Tajiks required extensive diplomatic efforts facilitated by the State Department. Returns to Central Asia typically face operational and diplomatic challenges.