The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is actively apprehending migrants who have illegally crossed the border with Mexico. These individuals are classified by the federal government as “Special Interest Migrants” – a term used by the Department of Homeland Security to describe individuals who potentially pose a national security risk to the United States or its interests.
The discovery of Iranian “Special Interest Migrants” illegally crossing the border this month is concerning due to Iran’s designation as one of the four countries labeled by the U.S. as “State Sponsors of Terrorism.”
It is important to note that the United States and Iran have not had any formal diplomatic relationship since 1980 following the takeover of the American Embassy in Tehran in late 1979.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has raised concerns regarding the growing number of reports indicating potential terrorists crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, as stated in its latest “Homeland Threat Assessment”.
“Individuals with potential terrorism connections continue to attempt to enter the Homeland. As of July, approximately 160 non-US persons in the TSDS attempted to enter the United States via the southern border this year.” U.S. DHS “Homeland Threat Assessment 2024”
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has been reporting a disturbing trend from the Texas-Mexico border this month: Migrants are illegally crossing the Rio Grande into Maverick County in large numbers. This was first reported on October 11, 2024. You can read more about this issue in the articles HERE, HERE, and HERE.
On October 20, 2024, the DPS encountered a group of 30 Iranian “Special Interest Migrants.” According to the DPS, this is one of the recent groups they apprehended. It is worth noting that there have been other large groups reported by DPS officers this month, each consisting of well over 100 migrants.
“Forty-five illegal immigrants attempted to cross the Rio Grande, but Texas National Guard Soldiers repelled their attempt, resulting in Mexican immigration officials apprehending them.” Texas DPS Lt. Chris Olivarez (October 20, 2024)
Texas troops participating in “Operation Lone Star” are actively constructing concertina and razor wire barriers along the banks of the Rio Grande. This effort aims to increase the difficulty for migrants attempting to unlawfully cross into the state.