Staff Reports
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas took the hot seat during a recent Fox News broadcast and attempted to convince the audience that the Biden administration has everything under control regarding national security threats from organizations like ISIS. As he spoke, one could almost hear the collective eye-roll from those who aren’t buying the government’s smooth-talking spin.
When pressed by Sandra Smith about how the administration plans to keep ISIS from finding a cozy little nook to nestle into right over the southern border, Mayorkas assured everyone that the U.S. government prioritizes removing individuals posing a threat to public safety. This is a comforting thought in theory, but it brings to mind all those news stories about illegal immigrants being caught and released into the streets. It seems that when the rubber meets the road, the administration’s intentions don’t always align with the results.
"The message is quite clear, do not come. The border is closed, the border is secure" – Alejandro Mayorkas, Secretary of Homeland Security
🤔 pic.twitter.com/s5Syla0DHu— Russell (@RussellM__) January 1, 2025
Smith, in a moment of clarity that deserves a gold star, pointed out that despite all the reassurances and policy changes, the FBI has been ringing alarm bells about terrorism threats in the U.S. Having noted an increase in the terror threat level since October 7, she asked why no real action has been taken to prevent illegal immigration that could potentially bring danger into the country. It seems fair to wonder whether the administration is simply too busy painting pretty pictures of border statistics instead of dealing with the grim reality on the ground.
In response to being called out on his department’s performance, Mayorkas claimed that the number of people encountered crossing the border is actually lower today than in 2019. This spin only raises more questions. While it may look good on paper, it’s hard to believe the numbers when the headlines scream about record-breaking encounters and criminal activity at the border. Waving around statistical ghost stories is a tricky game, especially when millions are still making their way across and security concerns are rising.
Mayorkas then rambled about the multifaceted threats the nation faces, including radicalized residents and foreign adversaries. While it’s commendable to recognize these threats, the real headscratcher is why the administration isn’t taking decisive action against those who are here illegally or trying to cross. If the government truly prioritized American safety as much as it claims, one might expect more than just a stream of rhetoric that looks good for the cameras. Until there’s a change in the reality of border policies—and not just a new set of talking points—America’s safety might continue to hang in the balance, and concerns about ISIS finding a haven might turn into more than just paranoia.
