Categories: U.S.

Border Patrol arrests South African national on terrorist watchlist who entered US illegally

close Video

Former DHS secretary: Americans ‘clearly’ want border security

Former DHS secretary Jeh Johnson joins ‘Fox & Friends’ to discuss the White House’s silence over drone sightings, the U.S. seeing record migrant surges under Biden, and the Harris County DA seeking the death penalty in the Jocelyn Nungaray case.  

A South African national who illegally entered the U.S. landed a “positive match” on the terrorist watchlist leading to his “swift” arrest in New York City.

According to U.S. Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens, the unidentified South African national was initially detained in Texas for criminal trespassing, but was released.

A Texas Department of Public Safety official confirmed to Fox News that the migrant was first arrested on a ranch near Eagle Pass in September, then they turned him over to federal border patrol who released him.

His arrest, alongside 36 other illegal migrants, was documented and shared on social media by Lt. Chris Olivarez, the spokesperson for the Texas DPS. Olivarez said that among the group were special interest illegal immigrants from Turkey, Pakistan, India and Vietnam.

ICE REMOVES NOTORIOUS DRUG CARTEL LEADER FROM US

U.S. Border Patrol announced the arrest of a South African national and suspected terrorist in Brooklyn, NY.  (Chief Jason Owens via X)

Owens said that a further investigation revealed a “positive match on the terrorist watchlist.”

The positive identification of the suspect being involved in terrorism led to a swift mutli-agency effort to arrest the individual in Brooklyn, New York. It is unclear how or when the suspect arrived in New York City.

An Eagle Pass Border Patrol agent looks over the Rio Grande scanning the area illegal traffic. (Shaul Schwarz/Getty Images)

“Thanks to the coordination of multiple agencies, this potential threat was located, taken into custody, and is now pending removal,” he said.

CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Fox News Digital has reached out to the Border Patrol for comment.

Sarah Rumpf-Whitten is a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. 

Story tips and ideas can be sent to sarah.rumpf@fox.com and on X: @s_rumpfwhitten.

Share

Recent Posts

Biden pardons late Black activist Marcus Garvey, 4 others

President Biden issued five more pardons on Sunday on his last full day in office,…

1 hour ago

German ambassador warns Trump will ‘undermine’ democratic principles with ‘maximum disruption’ agenda: report

close Video Trump inauguration weekend kicks off with fireworks President-elect Donald Trump and returning first…

3 hours ago

Trump to be sworn in on Bible given to him by his mother, and the Lincoln Bible

President-elect Donald Trump will have his hand on two Bibles during his swearing-in ceremony on…

3 hours ago

Youngkin orders flags to be raised for Trump’s inauguration amid mourning period for Jimmy Carter’s death

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, a Republican, ordered flags to temporarily fly at full-staff for President-elect…

5 hours ago

How will DeSantis, Youngkin and other 2028 hopefuls stay relevant outside the Trump administration?

During a busy week in the nation's capital, far from the action, Florida Gov. Ron…

5 hours ago

Jeffrey Epstein madam Ghislaine Maxwell’s former London townhouse, linked to Prince Andrew photo, for sale

close Video Journalist who spoke to Ghislaine Maxwell from prison: I didn't see any remorse.…

7 hours ago