A counterterrorism expert has warned that Iranian sleeper cells may be hiding ‘in plain sight,’ posing a potential threat to rural areas in the United States. The expert, Jonathan Gilliam, a former FBI special agent, highlighted the possibility of these groups operating within the country, with the Biden administration’s border policies potentially facilitating their presence. Gilliam said that these cells could be ‘in plain sight,’ meaning they are among the general population, making them difficult to detect. Following the U.S. military’s strikes on Iranian nuclear sites on June 22, the Department of Homeland Security issued a National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin, indicating a heightened risk of Iranian-backed or domestic terrorism in response to the conflict. The bulletinsuggested that if Iranian leadership issued a religious ruling calling for retaliatory violence against targets in the Homeland, the likelihood of violent extremists mobilizing to attack would increase, particularly against U.S. government officials viewed as responsible for the death of an Iranian military commander killed in January 2020.
Gilliam’s warning comes as immigration enforcement has intensified following the attacks, with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) focusing on Iranian nationals in custody. Since June 18, over 130 Iranian nationals have been arrested, with 670 others currently in ICE custody. Gilliam pointed out that the current policies allow Iranian illegal immigrants to enter the country with minimal oversight, enabling the potential for sleeper cells to operate undetected. He emphasized that these groups could target more rural states rather than large cities, citing recent global terrorism incidents as evidence. For example, attacks in Israel on October 7th, 2023, and in India this year have occurred at rural, outdoor venues or populated vacation spots, suggesting that similar attacks could happen in the U.S. The expert argued that rural areas, which are less protected compared to urban centers, could be a prime target for these cells. Gilliam’s comments reflect growing concerns about the potential for Iranian-backed terrorism in the U.S., with the threat level being considered at its highest magnitude by former DHS officials.
The situation has prompted a renewed emphasis on homeland security measures, with the focus shifting toward identifying and addressing potential domestic threats. As the risk of retaliatory action increases, the administration faces pressure to reassess its immigration policies and enhance security protocols. The growing concern over sleeper cells highlights the challenges of detecting and preventing terrorism within domestic borders, particularly when the perpetrators are operating under the radar. With the potential for attacks in less secure areas, the need for a comprehensive and coordinated response becomes increasingly urgent. The expert’s warnings underscore the importance of vigilance and preparedness in the face of evolving threats, emphasizing that the security of the United States depends on proactive measures and strategic adjustments to counter potential threats from both foreign and domestic sources.