Duval Times

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) has criticized President Joe Biden's immigration policies, claiming they provide a clear pathway for ISIS-K to enter the United States, thereby increasing the risk of terrorist attacks on American soil.

Rubio pointed to recent press reports that have documented instances of ISIS-K affiliates crossing the southern border. He noted that the Biden Administration only managed to track down Jovokhir Attoev, an illegal immigrant with ties to ISIS-K, last month. This means Attoev was able to remain undetected within the United States for two years. Furthermore, it took law enforcement 13 months to confirm Mohammad Kharwin's presence on the FBI’s watch list and arrest him. Kharwin is an illegal immigrant linked to Hezb-e-Islami.

These cases are just a fraction of a larger issue, according to Rubio. The senator warned that since President Biden took office, CBP has recorded more than 9 million encounters with individuals who have entered the United States illegally. It is unknown how many of these individuals may be affiliated with ISIS-K or other terrorist groups.

The situation appears even more dire when considering public reports suggesting foreign smugglers with ties to ISIS have facilitated illegal immigration at the southern border.

Rubio believes the solution lies in securing the border and enforcing America's immigration laws. However, he expressed frustration that President Biden has not taken steps to reverse his open-border policies, which Rubio claims put American lives at risk.

"We’re playing right into the hands of terrorists who seek our destruction," Rubio said. "I hope and pray I’m wrong, but I fear that under this administration’s policies, we are sitting ducks."