A recent bombshell from the Department of Justice Office of Inspector General (DOJ OIG) has exposed yet another glaring oversight by the Biden administration. An audit revealed that 55 Afghan evacuees, who were either on the terrorist watchlist or added to it after their arrival, made it to the U.S. during the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan. This lapse in national security has raised significant concerns about the vetting process used during the evacuation.
The 87-page report, released in June 2025, details the failures of Biden’s “Operation Allies Welcome” in allowing known or suspected terrorists into the country. A total of 231 individuals were flagged as matches to the terrorist watchlist, with 55 already present in the U.S. when identified. Such a breach in security isn’t merely bureaucratic negligence—it’s a ticking time bomb.
Among these evacuees was Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, who entered the U.S. in September 2021. By 2024, Tawhedi was reportedly plotting a terrorist attack on U.S. soil for Election Day, in allegiance to ISIS. His alleged activities included acquiring firearms and ammunition with the intent to commit violence in the name of radical Islam.
The disastrous withdrawal didn’t just leave U.S. military equipment in the hands of the Taliban; it also transported potential jihadists to the heart of American communities. Senator Chuck Grassley took to Twitter, expressing his concerns about the failure to vet Afghan evacuees. Grassley’s warnings, once dismissed, now seem prescient in light of the DOJ’s findings.
Reports from conservative outlets like The Gateway Pundit supported these claims, highlighting the lack of vetting during the evacuation. They emphasized how Biden filled planes with unvetted Afghans, potentially compromising national security. The arrest of Afghan refugee Tawhedi, an ISIS supporter, underscores the gravity of this oversight.
The Senate Judiciary Committee, led by Chairman Chuck Grassley, has long raised alarms about the failures in vetting Afghan evacuees. According to the DOJ OIG report, 55 evacuees were flagged on the terrorist database, with some added post-entry. As of July 2024, eight evacuees remained on the watchlist, with active FBI investigations ongoing.
Grassley reiterated his concerns, noting how the Biden administration, along with Democrat colleagues and some media outlets, downplayed significant security risks. He criticized the administration for endangering American lives by allowing suspected terrorists to enter the country. Grassley pledged to continue his oversight on this critical issue.
The DOJ OIG’s findings have reignited debates about national security and proper vetting processes. Critics argue that the administration’s haste to evacuate left gaping holes in security protocols. The report has sparked calls for accountability and a reevaluation of current immigration and refugee admission policies.
The conservative media has been vocal about the administration’s handling of the withdrawal. Outlets like Fox News have echoed similar concerns, questioning the competence of those overseeing the evacuation. They argue that the priority should have been the safety of American citizens and the integrity of national borders.
The repercussions of these security lapses are profound, with potential threats now residing within the U.S. This situation has fueled discussions on how best to address these vulnerabilities moving forward. Lawmakers and security experts are calling for immediate corrective measures.
There’s a pressing need for a robust vetting system to ensure that those entering the country do not pose a threat. The Biden administration’s approach has been criticized for prioritizing speed over security. As more details emerge, the pressure mounts for answers and solutions.
The DOJ OIG report serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by inadequate vetting. It highlights the importance of thorough background checks for anyone entering the U.S., especially from volatile regions. The safety of American citizens must remain the top priority.
Moving forward, there’s a demand for greater transparency and accountability from government agencies. The public deserves to know how these lapses occurred and what steps are being taken to prevent future errors. Ensuring national security should be a bipartisan effort, free from political interference.
The administration’s handling of the Afghan withdrawal continues to draw scrutiny. Each new revelation adds fuel to the fire, prompting calls for change at the highest levels. The safety and security of the nation hang in the balance.
The DOJ OIG’s findings will likely have far-reaching implications for future immigration policies. Lawmakers are urged to take these lessons to heart and implement necessary reforms. The American people expect decisive action to address these critical issues.
Erica Carlin is an independent journalist, opinion writer and contributor to several news and opinion sources. She is based in Georgia.