Suspected ISIS Link Man Arrested After US Entry

A man from Uzbekistan, Jovokhir Attoev, allegedly linked to the Islamic State, lived in the United States for two years before being arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He reportedly entered the U.S. through Arizona’s border in 2022 and was detained by Border Patrol. Despite clearing a background check from ICE and Customs and Border Protection, Attoev was released into the country. It was not until almost a year later that ICE arrested him in Baltimore after a global notice was issued by Uzbekistan for his ties to ISIS. Attoev is currently in custody in Pennsylvania and awaiting an immigration trial in New Jersey, with ICE lawyers arguing for his continued detention to gather more information on his alleged links to terrorism.

This case raises concerns about the effectiveness of the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) vetting procedures for migrants already in the country. Former officials noted the importance of thorough vetting to ensure national security and public safety. They emphasized the need for adequate funding for counterterrorism efforts, pointing out budget cuts in recent years have impacted DHS’s ability to conduct timely and extensive vetting processes.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement recently arrested an Uzbek man in Baltimore with alleged ISIS ties after he had been living inside the United States for over two years, according to two U.S. officials. https://t.co/aXgkHeJoaV

— NBC Bay Area (@nbcbayarea) May 2, 2024

Against the backdrop of a surge in illegal border crossings during President Joe Biden’s administration, the number of encounters with migrants on the terrorist watchlist at U.S. borders increased. In fiscal year 2023, CBP reported 736 such encounters, the highest in six years. This underscores the ongoing importance of robust border security measures to prevent individuals with potential ties to terrorism from entering the country.

Under former President Donald Trump, efforts to enhance border security and streamline vetting processes resulted in fewer encounters with migrants on the watchlist in 2019 compared to recent years. The comparison highlights differing approaches to border security and immigration policies between the two administrations. It underscores the need for a strong and vigilant border protection system to safeguard national security interests and prevent individuals with concerning affiliations from entering the country.

Editorial Comment: This case underscores the importance of maintaining a strict and effective immigration policy to protect the United States from potential national security threats. The rise in encounters with individuals on the terrorist watchlist at the border highlights the need for robust border security measures and thorough vetting procedures. Adequate funding for counterterrorism efforts is crucial to ensure the safety and security of American citizens. Vigilance and proactive measures are essential to prevent individuals with ties to terrorism from exploiting weaknesses in the immigration system.