Federal Agents Arrest Afghan Migrant Listed on Terror Watchlist

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – On February 5, Border Patrol agents apprehended an Afghan national, Arif Tanhah, who illegally crossed into California from the southern border, revealing his name on the terror watchlist as an associate of a terrorist group, as detailed in a federal memo obtained by the Daily Caller News Foundation (DCNF). This arrest aligns with reports of an increase in terror-watchlisted individuals entering the U.S. through its southern frontier, some even briefly released from federal custody.

Tanhah, 30, detained in the San Diego sector near Jacumba Hot Springs, was confirmed as a watchlist match linked to terrorism. However, specific affiliations weren’t disclosed, and Tanhah has denied ties to known entities like Al Qaeda or the Taliban during federal interrogation, as per DCNF review of the interview notes.

 

His background includes a 2011 arrest following a joint U.S.-Afghan operation at his family’s residence in Afghanistan, a detail he was reticent to elaborate on during questioning. Tanhah has claimed asylum, fearing persecution if returned to Afghanistan, and is currently held by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) awaiting proceedings.

Asylum claims are evaluated based on the applicant’s fear of persecution due to various factors, including race, religion, or political stance, as outlined by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Tanhah’s journey to the U.S. was elaborate and costly, involving travel through multiple countries and a significant sum of money, reportedly provided by a sibling in Kuwait.

Interestingly, Tanhah has a notable online presence, with a TikTok account amassing over 54,000 followers, showcasing parts of his journey and expressing his Muslim faith. His ultimate destination appeared to be Canada, though he planned to stay in San Antonio, Texas, in the interim.

 

This case emerges amidst a broader trend reported by the DCNF, highlighting an uptick in terror-watchlisted migrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, with fiscal year 2023 recording 172 such apprehensions, showing a significant increase from previous years. These incidents, including the brief release of a Somali national linked to al-Shabaab and a Pakistani national also on the watchlist, underscore ongoing concerns about border security and the challenges of managing illegal crossings by individuals on terror watchlists.

The Department of Homeland Security has not commented on these specific cases, reflecting the complexity and sensitivity surrounding national security and immigration policy debates. This reporting by the Daily Caller News Foundation’s Jennie Taer sheds light on the intricate dynamics at the southern border and the ongoing efforts to secure the U.S. against potential threats.

In addition to the apprehension of terror-watchlisted individuals like Arif Tanhah, the United States is currently grappling with a broader border crisis characterized by a significant influx of migrants, including a notable number of military-age males, illegally crossing the southern border. This trend raises complex security, humanitarian, and political challenges for the Biden administration and federal agencies tasked with border security and immigration enforcement.

Recent reports and data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) highlight the scale of this crisis. In the fiscal year 2023, the Border Patrol encountered unprecedented numbers of migrants attempting to cross into the United States from its southern border. Among these, military-age males—often defined as individuals between the ages of 18 and 40—comprise a significant portion of the apprehensions. While specific numbers fluctuate monthly, this demographic trend underscores the diverse motivations and backgrounds of those seeking entry into the U.S., ranging from asylum seekers fleeing persecution to individuals seeking economic opportunities.

The increase in crossings by military-age males is particularly noteworthy against the backdrop of security concerns, such as those highlighted by the Daily Caller News Foundation’s reporting on terror-watchlisted individuals entering the U.S. The presence of such migrants intensifies the debate over border security measures and the adequacy of screening procedures to identify and address potential threats.

Furthermore, the border crisis encompasses a wide array of issues beyond security concerns, including the strain on federal, state, and local resources to process, shelter, and adjudicate the claims of a growing number of asylum seekers and other migrants. The situation is compounded by legal and logistical challenges, including the implementation of policies like Title 42 expulsions under public health orders and the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), which have been subjects of legal and political contention.

As the Biden administration navigates these challenges, the composition of migrant flows, including the significant number of military-age males, will likely continue to play a central role in shaping U.S. border security and immigration policy discussions. The ongoing border crisis demands a multifaceted response, balancing security imperatives with humanitarian considerations and international obligations, a task that remains daunting amid political polarization and complex regional dynamics.