During a House budget hearing, Attorney General Pam Bondi raised concerns about the presence of Iranian nationals in the United States, indicating the Department of Justice is on high alert. Bondi highlighted that over 1,000 Iranian nationals entered the country during the Biden administration, with more than 700 being released despite concerns about terrorism. She emphasized the heightened threats posed by the escalating conflict with Iran, aligning with the Department of Homeland Security’s statements about a heightened threat environment.
The DOJ has taken recent actions against individuals linked to a murder-for-hire plot involving Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Last year, the department indicted three men in connection with a scheme that allegedly aimed to assassinate Donald Trump before the 2024 election. One of the suspects remains at large and was reportedly being paid by the Revolutionary Guard Corps. FBI Director Christopher Wray noted these charges demonstrate Iran’s continued attempts to target U.S. citizens, including Trump and others.
Bondi’s comments were part of a broader discussion on the DOJ’s budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year. At the same time, the United States and Iran are engaged in a rapidly evolving conflict in the Middle East, which President Trump sought to influence over the weekend. Trump’s administration had recently carried out airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, prompting Iran to retaliate with a missile attack on a U.S. base near Qatar. Trump described the response as weak and suggested a return to diplomacy, though a ceasefire between Israel and Iran remains uncertain.
The situation has prompted heightened scrutiny of Iranian nationals in the U.S. authorities, with a senior source at the Customs and Border Protection indicating that 1,504 Iranians were arrested at the southern border during Biden’s term, of which nearly half were released into the country. Amid growing tensions, Bondi reiterated that the issue requires close monitoring, as officials warn of possible extremist activities and increased risks of cyberattacks and antisemitism.
Bondi refused to elaborate on the threat of ‘sleeper cells’ during the hearing, citing security protocols. The hearing underscored the broader geopolitical concerns about Iran’s actions and their potential impact on the U.S. and its citizens. The situation remains volatile, with ongoing tensions and the potential for further escalations in the region. As authorities continue to assess the risks, the public is advised to remain vigilant and aware of the ongoing developments.