North Austin News

U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas), chairman emeritus of the House Committee on Homeland Security, raised concerns about the unprecedented number of attempted border crossings by individuals on the terrorist watchlist during a committee hearing titled "Worldwide Threats to the Homeland." McCaul directed his questions to FBI Director Christopher Wray and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.

In his remarks, McCaul highlighted the alarming statistics, stating, "We've had about 7.5 million encounters at the southern border. We've had 7,000 special interest aliens [SIAs]. We've had nearly 200 [encounters with individuals] on the terror watchlist [this year]. When I chaired this committee, the first question I ever asked was, 'How many SIAs, and how many on the terror watchlist?' Two hundred is alarming to me. Does that give you concern?"

Director Wray acknowledged the concern, emphasizing that even a small number of foreign terrorists can cause significant damage. He stated, "Sometimes people, as crazy as it sounds, tend to forget that it was 19 people who killed 3,000 people on 9/11."

McCaul further pressed the need for the Biden administration to provide comprehensive information on this threat to Congress and leaders in Texas. He shared his recent visit to Israel and expressed his concern about the possibility of Hamas inspiring attacks or infiltrating the country. McCaul questioned why the administration has not provided complete and accurate information about the 200 individuals on the watchlist, including whether Hamas is included, and how many others might have crossed the border undetected.

Turning his attention to Secretary Mayorkas, McCaul accused him of complicity in the alarming border crisis. He cited 18 U.S. Code § 2, which states that anyone who aids or abets an offense against the United States is punishable as a principal. McCaul argued, "Sir, I would argue that you have been aiding and abetting the deaths and the criminal enterprise that has occurred in this nation."

Responding to claims from Representative Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.) that his criticism of Secretary Mayorkas was "unwarranted," McCaul defended his position. He emphasized his experience dealing with border issues for 25 years and living in a border state, stating, "It's [Mayorkas'] dereliction of duty that has created this problem in the United States. ... I have to say that the change of policy has created this problem, and he knows better."

In conclusion, Congressman McCaul's remarks during the committee hearing shed light on the concerning number of individuals on the terrorist watchlist attempting to cross the southern border. He called for transparency and accountability from the Biden administration in addressing this threat. Additionally, McCaul criticized Secretary Mayorkas for his alleged complicity in the border crisis, citing the need for action to protect the nation's security.

To learn more, click on this link: https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/mccaul-calls-out-secretary-mayorkas-complicity-border-crisis-record