Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody has issued a demand for information to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas following a report by the U.S. House Judiciary Committee. The report revealed that nearly 100 individuals on the terrorist watchlist were released into the U.S. by the Biden-Harris administration.
Attorney General Moody expressed grave concerns about this action, stating, “New information reveals that nearly 100 individuals on the terrorist watchlist, identified as illegal aliens, were released into the country. The administration has not disclosed their whereabouts to state authorities, which is completely unacceptable. We need to identify those who are in Florida to enable local law enforcement to address this significant security lapse.”
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In a detailed Freedom of Information Act request, Moody criticized the perceived failures under Secretary Mayorkas’s leadership, referencing the 9/11 Commission’s criticism of the U.S.’s past immigration security measures.
She highlighted a systemic issue in DHS’s procedures, suggesting that even immigration judges might not be aware they are releasing individuals on the terrorist watchlist due to insufficient DHS processes.
The letter included a request for comprehensive information from DHS, covering the procedures for identifying whether an individual in custody is on the terrorist watchlist, how DHS communicates with other law enforcement and foreign entities about potential threats, and how they inform judges about the watchlist status of detainees.
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Moody’s concern extends to the broader implications for Florida, a prime destination for migrants and a state known for hosting large-scale public events, heightening the risk of potential terrorist activities.
The Attorney General is seeking all relevant documents and communications from DHS since January 20, 2021, concerning their handling of individuals on the terrorist watchlist, emphasizing the need for transparency and improved security protocols to protect the public.
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