More than 700 Iranian nationals were let into the U.S. by the Biden administration after crossing the border illegally. From 2021 to 2024, Border Patrol agents caught 1,504 Iranians sneaking into the country. Every year, the numbers just kept climbing. In 2021, 48 were caught; in 2022, 197; in 2023, 462; and in 2024, it jumped to 797.
Among those captured, 729 were released into the U.S. over the years. During the Biden years, the count of Iranians released into the country also rose steadily. In 2021, just 12 were let go; in 2022, it was 40; 2023 saw 229 released; and by 2024, the number reached 448.
This data, shared by a Border Patrol agent with The Center Square, came to light after President Trump ordered a strike using B2 bombers on Iranian nuclear sites. The information doesn’t include those caught at official entry points or others who slipped through the cracks. These “gotaways” are those who dodge capture, and there have been more than two million of them under Biden’s watch.
During the Biden administration, Border Patrol agents have shared inside information with The Center Square that wasn’t publicly released by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Under Trump, the numbers of Iranian nationals caught or encountered haven’t been made public either. Customs and Border Protection officials didn’t immediately respond to inquiries about these figures.
The term “special interest aliens” or “known or suspected terrorists” (KSTs) has not been highlighted by any administration. A bill in Congress last year aimed to require federal disclosure of such data. Currently, no official from either administration can state how many Iranians have entered as gotaways.
An Iranian gotaway with terrorist links was caught in Buffalo, New York by federal agents, as reported by The Center Square. U.S. officials are now on high alert, especially after several Iranians have been arrested or charged for supporting terrorism recently. During Biden’s tenure, a record 1,903 KSTs were apprehended, marking a historic peak.
Most of these, about 64%, totaling 1,216, were nabbed at the northern border with Canada from 2021 to 2024. Meanwhile, 687 KSTs were reported at the southwest border over that period. As of last September, former President Biden extended a national emergency from 2001 due to escalating terrorist threats, as mentioned by The Center Square.
This decision followed the release or escape of numerous illegal border crossers with ties to ISIS into the country. Border czar Tom Homan has often said that Biden’s policies have created the biggest national security threat since 9/11. Texas Senator Ted Cruz, a staunch Trump supporter, warned that Americans face a severe terrorist threat due to these policies.
Cruz has pointed out that groups like Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad have openly called for violence against Americans. He believes the only way to protect Americans is by Trump’s approach: securing borders and targeting terrorist groups. These groups, he says, have already harmed U.S. servicemembers and are intent on endangering more lives.
Darnell Thompkins is a conservative opinion writer from Atlanta, GA, known for his insightful commentary on politics, culture, and community issues. With a passion for championing traditional values and personal responsibility, Darnell brings a thoughtful Southern perspective to the national conversation. His writing aims to inspire meaningful dialogue and advocate for policies that strengthen families and empower individuals.