Aaron Heitke claims the Biden Administration blocked him from releasing critical data on terrorist suspects apprehended at the southern border.
At a Glance
- Former Border Patrol official Aaron Heitke accused the Biden-Harris administration of covering up the migrant crisis.
- Heitke testified that the White House shielded information from the press and concealed crossings by dangerous migrants with terror ties.
- Heitke was ordered to release hundreds of illegal aliens daily into communities that could not support them.
- SIA arrests in the San Diego sector significantly increased from 10-15 per year before Biden-Harris to over 100 in 2022 and more in subsequent years.
Biden Administration Allegedly Blocks Data Release on Terrorist Suspects
Former San Diego Sector Border Patrol Chief Aaron Heitke has made serious allegations against the Biden administration, claiming they blocked him from releasing data on terrorist suspects apprehended at the southern border. Heitke’s revelations were made during a House Committee on Homeland Security hearing. Congressman Clay Higgins has since accused the administration’s border policies of causing a “self-inflicted border crisis.”
Heitke testified that the administration shielded critical information from the public and press, thereby concealing crossings by migrants with terror ties. He said he was instructed to relocate over 2,000 migrants out of the media’s sight between U.S.-Mexico border fences in Southern California. Moreover, Heitke stated he was ordered to release hundreds of illegal aliens each day into communities unable to support them.
Breaking: Biden-Harris admin muzzled info on suspected terrorists caught at border: Former Border Patrol chief https://t.co/7XtzFRbHnL
— John Solomon (@jsolomonReports) September 19, 2024
Significant Rise in SIA Arrests
Heitke detailed how arrests of “Special Interest Aliens” (SIAs) surged during the current administration, jumping from 10-15 arrests per year before the Biden-Harris administration to over 100 in 2022. These SIAs are individuals from countries linked to terrorism. Heitke claimed he was barred from discussing this spike in current border crossings, which posed significant national security concerns.
“I was told I could not release any information on this increase in SIAs or mention any of the arrests,” Heitke said. “The administration was trying to convince the public that there was no threat at the border.” – Ex-San Diego Sector Chief Agent Aaron Heitke
The administration’s reported use of flights from San Diego to Texas to manage the crisis further complicates the situation. Each flight reportedly cost around $150,000, adding to taxpayers’ burden. Congressman Clay Higgins and Chairman August Pfluger aim to get to the bottom of these claims, particularly regarding the administration’s alleged efforts to hide the reality of the situation.
A former border Patrol Chief recently testified that the Biden-Harris administration stopped him from releasing information on a spike in suspected terrorists illegally entering the U.S.
We cannot let this go under the radar — our Border Czar must be held accountable. pic.twitter.com/bbuO2khzU4
— Rep. Anthony D’Esposito (@RepDesposito) September 19, 2024
Mounting Criticism Over Border Policies
Former Border Patrol chief Rodney Scott joined Heitke in criticizing the administration, accusing Biden, Harris, and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas of “intentionally” opening the U.S. border. Scott claimed the administration’s policies instructed border agents to curb their typical duties, creating a more permissive environment for illegal crossings. This stance contrasts with the stricter border policies seen under former Presidents Trump and Obama.
This criticism extends beyond Heitke and Scott. The House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Counterterrorism, Law Enforcement, and Intelligence recently held a joint hearing on terror threats stemming from the border crisis. During opening statements, Chairmen Higgins and Pfluger highlighted the increased terror threat due to current border policies.