DOJ on High Alert Over Iranian Nationals in U.S. as Middle East Tensions Rise
- The New York Editorial Desk - Arif
- Jun 24
- 3 min read
By The New York Editorial Staff
Tone & Political Bias: Moderately Right-Leaning
Why: The article emphasizes security threats involving Iranian nationals during Biden’s presidency and highlights Republican-led questioning without a Democratic counterbalance.
Bondi: DOJ Monitoring Potential Iranian Threats
Attorney General Pam Bondi said Monday that the Department of Justice is “on high alert” regarding the presence of Iranian nationals in the U.S. amid rising tensions in the Middle East. Her comments followed a warning from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that the ongoing conflict with Iran is contributing to a “heightened threat environment” across the country.
Bondi made the remarks during a House budget hearing where she was questioned by Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, about the number of Iranian nationals currently in the U.S., particularly those who entered illegally.
“I can tell you, we are on high alert, and everyone is looking at that very closely,” said Bondi.
Border Data and Illegal Entry Figures
According to a senior source from Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol arrested 1,504 Iranians at the southern border during former President Joe Biden’s term. Of these, 729 were released into the United States.
Bondi could not confirm how many Iranian nationals have been convicted of crimes but noted that over 1,000 entered the country under the previous administration.
The DHS warned that the Iran conflict could inspire individuals already inside the U.S. to carry out acts of violence. The agency cited the risk of extremists becoming self-radicalized if prompted by Iranian leadership. DHS also noted the potential for increased cyberattacks and antisemitic incidents.
Questions on Sleeper Cells and Domestic Risk
When pressed by Rep. Gonzales about the presence of Iranian “sleeper cells” in the U.S., Bondi responded, “I cannot talk about that in this setting.” The exchange took place as lawmakers examined the DOJ’s proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year, against the backdrop of escalating military action in the Middle East.
Trump Orders Strikes as Iran Retaliates
Over the weekend, President Donald Trump authorized U.S. airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities. In response, Iran launched missiles at a U.S. military base near Doha, Qatar, on Monday.
Trump said Iranian officials gave “early notice” of the missile strike and that no casualties occurred. He later announced that a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran was expected to take effect within hours, though similar agreements have previously broken down.
DOJ Links Iran to Assassination Plot Against Trump
Bondi’s testimony follows a 2024 Department of Justice indictment against three individuals linked to a murder-for-hire plot allegedly orchestrated by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The targets included President Trump and a U.S.-based journalist critical of the Iranian regime.
One suspect, an Afghan national, remains at large and is believed to have received payment from the IRGC.
FBI Director Christopher Wray said at the time that the charges reveal “Iran's continued brazen attempts to target U.S. citizens, including President-elect Donald Trump, other government leaders, and dissidents who criticize the regime in Tehran.”
Key Developments
DOJ and DHS both warn of increased national security risks tied to Iranian activity inside the U.S.
1,504 Iranian nationals were arrested at the southern border under Biden; 729 were released.
GOP lawmakers raise concerns about sleeper cells and infiltration risks.
President Trump ordered airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, triggering a missile response.
DOJ indictment linked Iran’s IRGC to assassination plots targeting Trump and dissidents.
Officials say they remain vigilant as U.S. agencies monitor both foreign and domestic threats in real time.
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