National Security Leader Reacts to Report on Terrorist Watchlist Errors

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Roberto Estrada Lobo 
restrada@monumentadvocacy.com

WASHINGTON – Council on National Security and Immigration (CNSI) leader Elaine Dezenski today released a statement reacting to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of the Inspector General’s (OIG) report regarding the release of a migrant on a terrorist watchlist.

“The inspector general’s report outlines a series of events that led to the release of a migrant who was on a terrorist watchlist — an inexcusable and avoidable error that threatens our national security and undermines trust in the system,” said Dezenski. “The report raises numerous concerns about the processes and procedures within CBP and ICE, highlighting serious breaches in how the agencies handle data and share information. The agencies must take prompt action to prevent this from happening again.”

“The OIG report offered three recommendations to improve procedures to prevent future errors. DHS must take the report’s recommendations seriously and work promptly to enact these proposed changes.

“CNSI appreciates the work of the OIG in conducting its vital mission and taking steps to ensure that our vetting systems keep the American public safe and secure. In light of this report, we also urge Congress to continue its important role in providing oversight of DHS and other agencies to safeguard our national security and combat threats.”

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