Border Patrol Chief Highlights National Security Threat at U.S. Southern Border

Jason Owens, the U.S. Border Patrol chief, expressed grave concerns over the national security implications of illegal crossings, including the potential entry of terrorists.

U.S. Border Patrol chief Jason Owens labeled the migrant crisis as a 'national security threat', citing concerns over terrorists potentially slipping across the border.
Owens emphasized the challenge of managing over 1,900 miles of border, with smugglers dictating the flow of migrants into the U.S.
The agency reported encountering migrants from over 160 countries this fiscal year, with Owens highlighting the difficulty in tracking 'known gotaways'.
Despite acknowledging most migrants as 'good people' fleeing dire conditions, Owens stressed the presence of criminals among them, including convicted sexual predators and gang members.
Owens advocated for stricter penalties against illegal crossings, including jail time, deportation, and re-entry bans.