The Biden administration’s ‘catch and release’ policy for Iranian nationals raises alarms about potential threats on American soil.
A senior U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) source has revealed to Fox News that the Biden administration has released nearly 50% of Iranian nationals apprehended at the southern border back into the United States, totaling 729 individuals from fiscal year 2021 through fiscal year 2024.
This admission comes as U.S. officials sound the alarm over a “heightened threat environment” following recent U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
According to the CBP source, Border Patrol agents arrested 1,504 Iranian nationals who illegally entered the U.S. during the Biden administration. Of these, a staggering 729 were subsequently released into the country.
READ: Iran Launches Missile Attack On U.S. Base in Qatar, Escalating Regional Conflict
The data indicates a consistent year-over-year increase in both arrests and releases of Iranian nationals:
- FY21: 48 arrested, 12 released
- FY22: 197 arrested, 40 released
- FY23: 462 arrested, 229 released
- FY24: 797 arrested, 448 released
These figures raise significant national security questions, particularly as all Iranians are classified as “special interest aliens” due to inherent concerns, necessitating enhanced vetting by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). However, the Biden administration has repeatedly denied Fox News’ Freedom of Information Act requests for data on how many of these released Iranians were on terrorism watchlists, citing “privacy concerns” and “minimal public interest.”
The concern is exacerbated by the revelation of over 2 million “gotaways” at the southern border during the Biden administration – individuals who evaded apprehension entirely. Their origins remain unknown, posing an even greater intelligence gap.
READ: Qatar Condemns Iranian Attack As “Flagrant Violation,” Reports Successful Interception
The release of these Iranian nationals takes on a more ominous tone in the wake of President Donald Trump’s “Operation Midnight Hammer” strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and the subsequent DHS bulletin warning of a “heightened threat environment” within the U.S. While the bulletin did not specify threats, it coincided with vows of retaliation from Iranian officials.
The advisory highlighted law enforcement’s disruption of “multiple potentially lethal Iranian-backed plots” since 2020.
“Because of the open borders, we are at a serious catch-up phase,” Former FBI Assistant Director Chris Swecker told Fox News. “We don’t know where those thousand Iranians are, and who knows how many others got across the border. We missed an opportunity when they caught and released those thousand. We missed the opportunity to gather intel by interviewing them and thoroughly vetting them. We just simply let them go, which is gross negligence on the part of the Biden administration.”
READ: Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman Scoffs At AOC’s Trump Impeachment Push Over Iran Strikes
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Monday issued a National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin, effective June 22, 2025, warning the American public of a “heightened threat environment” in the United States.
The bulletin attributes this increased risk to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, which has recently seen direct U.S. military intervention with strikes against Iranian nuclear sites.
While the bulletin clarifies that there are no specific, credible threats against the homeland at this time, it outlines several concerning trends.
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem stated, “It is our duty to keep the nation safe and informed, especially during times of conflict. The ongoing Israel-Iran conflict brings the possibility of increased threat to the homeland in the form of possible cyberattacks, acts of violence, and antisemitic hate crimes.” This NTAS Bulletin is set to expire on September 22, 2025.
Key Concerns Highlighted in the Bulletin:
Cyber Threats: The bulletin warns of a significant increase in cyber activity. Low-level cyberattacks against U.S. networks by pro-Iranian hacktivists are considered likely, and more sophisticated cyber actors affiliated with the Iranian government may conduct targeted attacks against U.S. networks. These actors and hacktivist groups have a history of targeting poorly secured U.S. networks and internet-connected devices, including critical infrastructure.
Targeting of U.S. Officials: Iran maintains a long-standing commitment to target U.S. Government officials it views as responsible for the death of an Iranian military commander killed in January 2020.
Domestic Mobilization to Violence: The likelihood of violent extremists in the U.S. independently mobilizing to violence in response to the conflict could increase, particularly if Iranian leadership were to issue a religious ruling calling for retaliatory violence against targets in the homeland.
Anti-Semitic and Anti-Israel Sentiment: The bulletin notes that multiple recent homeland terrorist attacks have been motivated by anti-Semitic or anti-Israel sentiment. The ongoing Israel-Iran conflict could further contribute to U.S.-based individuals plotting additional attacks driven by these biases. This concern is amplified by recent events, including politically motivated assassinations and anti-Semitic violence in various parts of the U.S.
DHS and the FBI are actively engaging with state and local law enforcement partners to ensure they have the necessary information to protect their communities.
The bulletin encourages the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or threats of violence, including online threats, to local law enforcement, FBI Field Offices, or their local Fusion Center. In case of emergency, individuals are advised to call 911.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
