Immigrants from several Middle Eastern countries, including Pakistan, Afghanistan and Syria, are taking advantage of lax enforcement at the U.S./Mexico border, which routinely allows entry to just about anyone who shows up.

At least eight Syrians were caught trying to enter the U.S. illegally through the Mexico border, according to two federal agents employed under U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Breitbart News reports that the immigrants tried to cross into Texas from the Laredo Sector, but were apprehended by border patrol officials November 16.^[1]

The Syrians were reportedly traveling in two separate “family units.”

Border Patrol agents told Breitbart News that they have heard about other instances of Syrians being apprehended at the U.S./Mexico border in recent times. However, it’s gone largely unreported because of the U.S. government’s reluctance to publicize the incidents, particularly in the wake of heightened fear over potential terror attacks following last week’s massacre in Paris.

Government keeps Americans in the dark about who’s crossing U.S. border

“Border Patrol agents who we represent have been contacting our organization to voice concerns about reports from other agents that Syrians crossed the U.S. border from Mexico in the Laredo Sector. Our agents have heard about Syrians being apprehended in the area from other federal agents,” said one Border Patrol agent.

“At this time, I cannot confirm or deny that Syrians have crossed, for security reasons,” he added. In wake of the recent reports, Border Patrol agents have been advised to be extra vigilant. A Border Patrol agent told Breitbart News that they “will be issuing an officer safety bulletin advising Border Patrol agents to exercise extra precautions as they patrol the border.”

Syrians aren’t the only ones trying to cross into the U.S. illegally. Groups of citizens from Pakistan and Afghanistan have also been apprehended at the Mexican border while attempting to enter into the U.S., according to reports.^[2]

U.S. border crossings by Middle Easterners kept secret from agents

Border Patrol agents told investigative journalist Sharyl Attkisson that they’re largely being kept in the dark about immigrants entering the U.S. from countries where terrorism has a strong foothold, and were only informed after pressing their managers for more information.

A group of Middle Easterners were reportedly captured after they were caught sneaking into Arizona on Monday, just three days after the terror attacks in Paris and four days after a double suicide bombing in Beirut, Lebanon.

“The Border Patrol would not confirm the incident officially, and declined to provide information or comment when asked about it today. Several agents working in Arizona say they were not originally briefed on the arrests but heard about it from other agents. They say the case was not presented to them in their regular intelligence briefing, and that they only received bare bones information today when they pressed their managers,” reports Attkisson.

“It’s the kind of stuff you need to know,” said one Border Patrol agent who asked for anonymity after expressing anger about being kept in the dark by his own agency about the crossings.

“According to those briefed on the incident, the group of five people from Pakistan and one from Afghanistan was captured near Patagonia, an Arizona town 18 miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border. They were apprehended by agents stationed at the Sonoita, Arizona Border Patrol. The group had been led across the border by two Mexican guides who were also detained. The Mexican guides were so worried about getting caught with the group that they reportedly broke into fisticuffs over who was at fault,” Attkisson reports.

“We have people from all over the world coming to the Mexican border and claiming asylum”

After being asked if their agency was on heightened alert following the recent terror attacks, Border Patrol responded, “Oh yea. I know it’s coming.” Agents also voiced frustration about the inability to do their jobs due to marching orders issued by the Obama administration instructing them to essentially catch and release immigrants who are crossing illegally.

“We have people from all over the world coming to the Mexican border and claiming asylum. Since they’re not from Mexico, we can’t send them back over,” said one agent, who also spoke about his experience apprehending illegal immigrants.

“Since they have no criminal record in the United States, they are let into the country, and given a date to appear in court, usually months or years out. After they sign the paperwork, they’re free to go, and disappear. Because they have no criminal records, ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] can’t go looking for them since they are not ‘priorities.’ Even if ICE encounters them later on, ICE still can’t arrest them if their criminal record isn’t serious.

“We see a lot of Somalis, which…has a large Muslim population. In Nigeria, there is a huge contingent of Boko Haram, which is just a ruthless as ISIS. They have been slaughtering schools full of children and priests for years now. The truth is, anyone can get into this country and stay. It’s not possible that we don’t have any ISIS sympathizers here. It’s just too easy for them to get here.”

Sources:

[1] Breitbart.com

[2] SharylAttkisson.com