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The recent apprehension of an Afghan individual accused of orchestrating a terror attack on Election Day has intensified worries among congressional representatives regarding the potential for additional threats from those who entered the United States following the Afghanistan withdrawal.
Senator Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., expressed his concerns to Fox News, stating, “A vulnerability was left open that could be exploited by groups like ISIS or even the Taliban in future instances. I fear this is just one among many individuals who may pose similar risks.”
Authorities revealed last week that Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, an Afghan national who arrived in the U.S. in 2021 post-Afghanistan’s withdrawal, has been charged with conspiring to provide material support to ISIS and acquiring a firearm intended for use in a federal crime related to terrorism. Reports indicate he sold family assets to fund his plans, which included purchasing rifles and one-way tickets for his wife and child back to Afghanistan.
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“This defendant allegedly conspired with ISIS to carry out a violent act on Election Day here at home,” stated FBI Director Christopher Wray.
Initial court documents indicated Tawhedi entered through a special immigrant visa; however, it was later clarified that he came via humanitarian parole before applying for SIV status.
A senior official from the administration informed Fox News last week that Tawhedi underwent three rounds of screening: first while working security for the CIA in Afghanistan, then during his humanitarian parole entry into the U.S., where he was vetted in a third country before finally applying for special immigrant status—though this status remains unconfirmed as of now. Officials suspect he became radicalized after arriving in America.
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No evidence suggests any red flags existed during his vetting process that would have prevented his entry into the country; notably, an alleged accomplice also passed vetting procedures when entering back in 2018 and received a green card.
Tawhedi arrived amid mass evacuations as Taliban forces regained control over Afghanistan. The U.S admitted over 97,000 evacuees during this period—approximately 77,000 were granted entry through humanitarian parole under Operation Allies Welcome.
The Republican party and internal watchdogs within Homeland Security have consistently raised alarms about how Afghan nationals are vetted upon arrival; last week’s arrest has only amplified these concerns further.
“Following our chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, it became evident there was no effective vetting process for Afghan nationals entering our nation,” remarked Rep Byron Donalds (R-Fla.). “There are significant fears regarding possible terror plots against our homeland—a direct consequence of mismanagement by the Harris-Biden administration.”
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The Biden administration has defended its vetting protocols vigorously by asserting they involve multiple layers of scrutiny against both classified and unclassified intelligence sources—including checks against Pentagon databases as well as Interpol notices among other data points.
“Afghans seeking refuge were subjected to extensive screening processes involving intelligence assessments across law enforcement channels,” stated a spokesperson from DHS on Wednesday adding that if new information arises post-arrival appropriate measures will be taken.”
The two Oklahoma senators have received updates from FBI officials concerning this situation with Sen James Lankford (R-Oklahoma) emphasizing ongoing threats within American borders:
“This is real danger we face—individuals intent on harming us reside within our own territory planning attacks,” Lankford told Fox News adding “An open border poses significant risks—we’re living precariously at present.”
This report includes contributions from Jacqui Heinrich at Fox News.
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