An Iranian national with links to terrorism was apprehended for illegally crossing the US northern border.

An Iranian national with suspected ties to terrorism attempted to enter the U.S. illegally through the northern border, officials announced this week, amid ongoing concerns about the potential for terrorists to enter the country through this route.

ICE announced this week that it has deported an Iranian national, who is also a Canadian permanent resident and wanted for assault, back to Canada.

In October, a man attempted to enter the United States legally through the port of entry in Niagara Falls, but was denied entry by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and sent back to Canadian border officials.

Two days later, he was arrested while attempting to enter illegally through the ports of entry near the Whirlpool Bridge port of entry.

In November, he received an expedited order of removal and was subsequently removed to Canada under a Safe Third Country agreement between the two countries.

ERO Buffalo Field Office Director Thomas Brophy stated that the strong law enforcement partnership between ERO Buffalo and Canadian law enforcement authorities is crucial for enhancing national security and preventing fugitives from evading justice.

"The return of the Canadian resident to face charges is due to the collaborative efforts of the officers on both sides of the border, ensuring public safety for our communities," he stated.

The arrest of a suspected terrorist comes amid ongoing fears that terrorists may attempt to enter the U.S. through its land borders, particularly at the southern border where officials are struggling to cope with the high number of migrants crossing. However, the northern border has also experienced a significant increase in encounters.

In FY 23, there were 487 encounters of people on the FBI’s terror watch list, with three occurring between ports of entry.

In October, the Department of Homeland Security's threat assessment stated that agents have observed a rising number of individuals on the watch list and cautioned that "terrorists and malefactors may capitalize on the heightened influx and intricate security milieu to infiltrate the United States."

The assessment stated that individuals with links to terrorism are drawn to utilizing existing travel routes and lenient environments to facilitate entry into the United States.

The FBI Director, Christopher Wray, has stated that evading Border Patrol and entering the U.S. as a gotaway is a major concern for the agency.

The officials emphasized that encounters with individuals on the watchlist are rare and that the U.S. has implemented complex screening procedures to identify and prevent those with ties to terrorism from entering the country, as demonstrated by the successful exclusion of an Iranian individual this year.

"The agency emphasizes that encounters of watchlisted individuals at their borders are rare, highlighting the crucial work of CBP Agents and Officers in safeguarding the front lines. DHS strives to secure the borders through the use of skilled personnel, monitoring systems, and intelligence networks."