January 1, Unveiling Secrets: Take on Border Security and Hidden Threats

In a recent segment on CNN’s “The Lead,” House Intelligence Committee Ranking Member Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT) discussed the matter of known and suspected terrorists crossing the southern border. He indicated that the number of genuine terrorist threats “is actually pretty small. It’s in the double digits.”

He further explained that “Many” of these individuals are Colombians who “may have been associated with one of the revolutionary groups there, including groups that are no longer designated as terrorists.” He underscored the necessity for enhanced border security, but warned against rhetoric that could “raise the risk in immigrant communities and inside this country.”

The show’s host, Jake Tapper, asked, “So, let me start with you, Ranking Member Himes, because I want to ask about the border. It’s such a politically charged issue for any president, but the statistics we’re hearing are alarming. Is President Biden doing enough to address these specific concerns about terrorists entering the United States?”

In response, Himes stated, “Well, Jake, the way I’d answer that is by saying that more needs to be done on the border. No country can have a border in which lots of people are coming across and we don’t know who they are.”

He continued by emphasizing the importance of truth in these discussions. “Now, look, I also feel very strongly that we talk about this rooted in truth. And the reality is that the number of KSTs (Known and Suspected Terrorists) coming across the southern border that represent a true terrorist threat is actually pretty small. It’s in the double digits.”

Himes then elaborated on the origins of these individuals, stating, “Many of those who’ve come across are actually Colombian nationals that may have been associated with one of the revolutionary groups there, including groups that are no longer designated as terrorists.”

He concluded by reiterating the need for enhanced border security, but also the necessity of responsible discourse. “So, yes, we need to do a much better job securing our border, but we also need to talk about the border and about immigration in ways that [don’t] raise the risk in immigrant communities and inside this country.”

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