GOP Lawmakers Question DHS on Terrorist's Free Year in US

Questions mount over potential taxpayer funding and NGO involvement in the journey of a known terrorist who remained at large for nearly a year.

GOP lawmakers demand answers from Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas regarding how a known Somalian terrorist was able to enter the US and remain free for nearly a year.
The terrorist, a confirmed member of al Shabaab, was initially arrested in California in March 2023 but released due to a screening error. He was rearrested in Minnesota in January.
Questions arise about whether US taxpayers funded any part of the terrorist's journey or stay in the US, including potential assistance from Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs).
Border Patrol has recorded an increase in encounters with individuals on the terror watchlist, with 70 encounters since October 2023 and 172 in the previous 12 months.
FBI Director Christopher Wray warned Congress of a smuggling network with ISIS ties exploiting open-border policies to sneak people into the country.