US Customs and Border Protection Alerts Agents to Lookout for Possible Hamas, Hezbollah Sympathizers Amid Israel Conflict

US agents receive specific indicators for identifying potential terrorist ties amidst the border crisis: sharp rise in encounters with people on the terror watchlist sparks national security concerns.

US Customs and Border Protection has warned of potential international threats at the US-Mexico border, focusing specifically on possible sympathizers or fighters from Hamas and Hezbollah amid the Israel conflict.
Indicators agents should look out for include military-aged men, military gear, lone travelers, and people with ties to the region or vague return plans.
There has been a sharp increase in encounters with individuals on the terror watchlist at the border, sparking national security concerns - 172 people were found on this list in 2023, up from 98 the previous year.
Senator Ted Cruz has praised an internal memo on the potential threat but cautioned that Hezbollah and Hamas fighters would likely conceal their affiliations to evade detection.
Despite reassurances from the Department of Homeland Security about multi-layered border security efforts aimed at preventing threats, Republicans argue that current policies are insufficient and expose the country to significant national security risks.