Fact-Check on the Claim: "Did the department administration fly in illegals on the terrorist watchlist?"
What We Know
The claim that the department administration has flown in individuals on the terrorist watchlist lacks substantiated evidence. The Terrorist Screening Database (TSDB) is the U.S. Government's consolidated terrorist watchlist, containing information on known or suspected terrorists. Individuals are included in this database based on a reasonable suspicion of ties to terrorism. The TSDB is utilized by various government agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), to screen individuals at ports of entry and during visa applications.
The Threat Screening Center (TSC) is responsible for sharing terrorism-related information across the U.S. government. It works to ensure that individuals on the watchlist are identified during travel and immigration processes. The DHS Traveler Redress Inquiry Program also helps individuals who believe they have been incorrectly identified as being on the watchlist.
Reports from the Congressional Research Service indicate that the government maintains various watchlists, including the No Fly List, which specifically prohibits certain individuals from boarding commercial flights. However, there is no credible evidence or official documentation confirming that individuals on these lists have been flown into the U.S. illegally or without proper screening.
Analysis
The sources available provide a comprehensive overview of the processes involved in managing the terrorist watchlist and the criteria for inclusion. The Terrorist Screening Database outlines the minimum biographical information required for an individual to be listed, emphasizing that inclusion is based on a reasonable suspicion of terrorist ties. This suggests that any claims about flying in individuals on the watchlist would require rigorous screening and adherence to established protocols.
The Threat Screening Center and the DHS Traveler Redress Inquiry Program reinforce the notion that there are systems in place to prevent individuals on the watchlist from entering the U.S. without proper scrutiny. Furthermore, the GAO report highlights opportunities for enhancing management and oversight of the watchlist, indicating that while there may be gaps, there is a structured approach to monitoring and screening.
However, the claim itself appears to stem from politically charged narratives, particularly those found in reports from partisan sources like the House Judiciary Committee, which may lack objectivity. Such sources often present information in a way that aligns with specific political agendas, making them less reliable for factual verification.
Conclusion
The claim that the department administration has flown in individuals on the terrorist watchlist remains Unverified. While there are established systems for managing and screening individuals on the watchlist, there is no credible evidence to support the assertion that individuals on this list have been flown into the U.S. illegally. The available sources indicate that the processes in place are designed to prevent such occurrences, and any claims to the contrary should be approached with skepticism, particularly when originating from partisan sources.
Sources
- Threat Screening Center - Terrorism
- DHS Traveler Redress Inquiry Program
- The Terrorist Screening Database (TSDB)
- CBP Enforcement Statistics
- Terrorist Databases and the No Fly List: Procedural Due ...
- GAO-08-110, Terrorist Watch List Screening
- Report: Biden-Harris Administration Has Released into the ...
- Executive Order 13224 - United States Department of State