The current conflict between Israel and Hamas has caused fear of a potential wider conflict or even terror attacks in the United States. However, no actual threat has materialized so far, according a statement by U.S. officials. Despite this, concerns remain high.
This was triggered when an apparent Customs and Border Protection (CBP) memo was released online warning that operatives with links to Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad or Hezbollah might try to enter the U.S. through its southern border. The U.S. has labeled all three of these organizations as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. The memo from the CBP’s San Diego field office stated that inspired individuals or mercenaries may seek to obscure their entry or exit to the Middle East through Mexico. It also displayed insignias related to the groups and advised questions to be asked in order to detect a foreign fighter.
The CBP has not verified the authenticity of the memo but it maintains that there is no indication of Hamas-directed foreign fighters seeking to enter the U.S. and that it has increased its security posture to protect the homeland.
Earlier this month, former leader of Hamas urged Muslims to join in the fight and send a “message of anger” in support of the militant group’s battle with Israel. As a precaution, police departments of New York, Los Angeles, and Washington increased security and the Department of Homeland Security held a meeting with almost 4,000 law enforcement agencies across the country to assess the security environment and provide additional resources. Nevertheless, there was no credible intelligence pointing to any potential harm to the homeland.
The Department of Homeland Security’s threat assessments have revealed that the greatest danger is homegrown and typically involves lone offenders or small group attacks that take place without warning. Furthermore, videos and propaganda on social media have been identified as an accelerant.
U.S. legislators have expressed anxiety about the potential for terrorists to exploit the border with Mexico to gain entrance to the United States. However, the CBP has stated that encounters with terrorist elements at the border are uncommon and an augmentation in migration across the Americas has not yet provoked any signs of terrorism.
DHS officials have declared that they are working closely with the FBI to accurately identify any individuals who are associated with terror groups. The department has also heightened its operations to determine any threats prior to them entering the country.
More recently, DHS officials reported that there has been no evidence of terror groups exploiting migration patterns. Even so, the U.S. is closely monitoring Hezbollah, an Iranian-linked group that operates in Central and South America, according to U.S. Southern Command Commander Gen. Laura Richardson.
In conclusion, no actual threat has been established in relation to the current conflict between Israel and Hamas. U.S. officials remain vigilant and have heightened their security posture to protect the homeland. DHS is also closely working with the FBI to identify potential threats and ensure that no terror groups are exploiting migration patterns. Despite this, the U.S. is keeping a close eye on Hezbollah and other terror organizations to ensure safety and security.
