More Suspects With Terror Ties are in the U.S. Than Originally Reported

I’m sorry to keep peppering you with emails, but the threat landscape is very dynamic right now and will continue to be as we turn over to 2025. Please read this article and take the poll at the end to help me better serve you. The poll will help me know if this is too much info or just enough. I value your input.

The security of our churches is under greater threat than ever before. For years, I have warned that individuals with ties to terror groups, such as ISIS, have crossed our southern border. New testimony from Aaron Heitke, the former Border Patrol chief for San Diego, reveals just how dire the situation has become. He testified before Congress that arrests of "Special Interest Aliens" (SIA), individuals with known ties to terrorism, have skyrocketed since 2021. What makes this testimony even more disturbing is Heitke’s claim that the Biden-Harris administration has tried to suppress this information from the public.

This is more than just a border security issue; it is a direct threat to our places of worship. It underscores the importance of maintaining a heightened state of alert for church security teams across the country.

The Surge in Special Interest Aliens

Heitke’s testimony revealed staggering numbers: from 10-15 arrests of SIAs before 2021 to over 100 in 2022 alone, with even more arrests in 2023. These are only the individuals caught by law enforcement. If the number of apprehensions has increased so dramatically, one can only imagine how many may have slipped through undetected. The administration’s reluctance to share this information with the public raises significant questions about transparency and the true nature of the threat we are facing.

This dramatic increase in SIAs—terror suspects at our border—shows how far-reaching the issue has become. Heitke’s revelations align with the intelligence I’ve been receiving for some time, warning that people with terror ties are actively exploiting weak spots in border security to gain entry into the U.S.

Photo by Greg Bulla on Unsplash

The Implications for Church Security

The fact that terrorists are actively attempting to enter the U.S. should be a wake-up call for church security ministries. Our churches remain a prime target for those seeking to cause chaos and devastation. The church security threat level system, which I use to assess and communicate the risk of attack, remains at Orange, indicating a high risk of attack. This recent testimony only reinforces that level of caution.

Now, more than ever, it is imperative that church security teams stay vigilant. Terrorists often see churches as soft targets due to the open and welcoming nature of our congregations. But this openness must not come at the expense of safety. Churches should continue to offer a welcoming environment for all worshippers, but security ministries will need to work harder than ever to protect congregants.

Strengthening Our Defenses

With the threat landscape evolving, it’s time for churches to reconsider their approach to security. This means ensuring your security teams are trained and prepared for any potential threat. Here are some steps church security teams should implement:

1. Tighten Surveillance: Monitor entry points and maintain situational awareness both inside and outside the church. Knowing who is entering and what is happening on church grounds at all times is critical.

2. Communicate the Risk: Work with leadership to keep the congregation informed about the heightened threat level, but ensure this is done in a way that does not induce fear or panic.

3. Prepare for Worst-Case Scenarios: Regularly train for active shooter scenarios and have contingency plans in place for other emergencies.

4. Increased Vetting of Volunteers and Staff: Be sure to thoroughly vet anyone working closely with the congregation, including volunteers. They should undergo background checks and training to identify suspicious behavior.

5. Work with Local Law Enforcement: Ensure there is a strong partnership with your local police department. Regular coordination and communication with them can be critical in the event of a threat.

The Need for Awareness

The recent revelations about the significant uptick in terror-linked individuals at our border should serve as a reminder that we cannot afford to be complacent. This is not about scaring people; it’s about keeping our churches safe. We must stay informed, vigilant, and ready to act should the unthinkable happen.

Church security teams are at the front line of defense. With the Biden administration downplaying the border threat, we must be all the more proactive in recognizing and responding to risks within our own communities. We want to keep our churches open to those who seek Christ, but we must always remain prepared to protect those we serve.