Federal agents recently apprehended eight men from Tajikistan, a Central Asian nation that borders Afghanistan, amid concerns that they may have been plotting a possible terrorist attack on U.S. soil. The men, who were residing in Los Angeles, New York, and Philadelphia, were taken into custody earlier this month and charged with violating civil U.S. immigration law by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). They remain in ICE custody and face removal proceedings.
While there was no evidence to suggest a specific targeted attack was planned, U.S. officials reassured the public that there was no imminent threat to the homeland. The individuals, believed to have ties to ISIS, crossed into the U.S. via the southwest border between 2023 and 2024. At the time of their entry, immigration officials had no information connecting them to the terrorist group.
The eight migrants were initially arrested by ICE for entering the U.S. without proper documentation and were later released with notices to appear in immigration court. However, federal law enforcement received intelligence indicating that the men had ties to ISIS. As a result, the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force launched an investigation.
Investigators began monitoring the men’s communications and activities on social media platforms, such as chat rooms and encrypted sites. It was discovered that the individuals were in contact with individuals with potential ties to ISIS. Subsequently, investigators obtained a court-authorized FISA warrant and conducted surveillance on the men.
The FBI aimed to uncover a broader terrorist network, prompting them to alert the Department of Homeland Security. This led to ICE picking up the men in New York, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia over the weekend of June 8. Officials were concerned that the individuals could have been plotting a terrorist attack on U.S. soil.
As of now, the men have not been charged with terrorism-related offenses, and the investigation is ongoing. The Justice Department declined to comment on the matter, and the FBI chose not to elaborate further on a statement issued on June 11. In the statement, the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security announced that the individuals were in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.
The heightened threat environment in the U.S. has prompted law enforcement agencies to work diligently to identify, investigate, and disrupt potential threats to national security. While all eight men face removal proceedings, the process could be complicated by potential asylum claims, especially if they face persecution or harm upon their return home.
In a recent policy change, ICE now detains individuals from Tajikistan and other Central Asian countries while they await removal proceedings or immigration hearings. The investigation into the eight men from Tajikistan continues to unfold, with authorities working tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of the nation.
As the story developed, CBS News investigative producer Pat Milton provided insights and updates on the situation. Pat Milton is a seasoned journalist with a background in investigative reporting, bringing a wealth of experience to the coverage of this important national security issue.
Overall, the apprehension of the eight men from Tajikistan highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to prevent potential terrorist threats and protect the safety of the American people. The collaborative efforts of federal agencies, such as the FBI, ICE, and the Department of Homeland Security, demonstrate a commitment to addressing national security challenges and maintaining vigilance in the face of evolving threats.
