DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas is once again under fire, this time over an Election Day terror plot involving an Afghan national arrested by the FBI. Mayorkas, already facing widespread criticism for his handling of U.S. immigration and border security, has now become the target of fresh scrutiny, as questions swirl about the vetting process that allowed a suspected terrorist to enter the U.S. on a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV).
The latest controversy comes just weeks after Mayorkas was widely criticized for FEMA’s response to Hurricane Helene, with claims surfacing that the agency was essentially out of funds. Mayorkas has repeatedly faced backlash over FEMA’s budget shortfalls, with some speculating that the financial woes were caused by diverting funds to deal with the overwhelming number of illegal immigrants crossing the southern border.
At the time, House Speaker Mike Johnson disclosed that Congress had allocated $20 billion to FEMA before breaking for a pre-election recess. Yet, when FEMA and Mayorkas failed to offer clear answers regarding the agency’s financial status, the speculation only grew. Brad Slager of RedState summarized Mayorkas’ handling of the situation as emblematic of a leader who lacks accountability.
However, the hurricane response is now being overshadowed by a far more serious issue: a thwarted Election Day terror attack, allegedly planned by 27-year-old Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, an Afghan national who came to the U.S. on an SIV. The FBI arrested Tawhedi and his brother-in-law after discovering a concerning trail of activity. Tawhedi had sold his family’s Oklahoma home, purchased firearms and ammunition, and attempted to access security cameras around key Washington, D.C., locations, including the White House and Washington Monument.
Officials believe Tawhedi was scouting out areas where gun laws were more lenient, raising alarms about his potential plans. Though specifics of the plot remain unclear, what is known has sparked significant concern about the screening process for those entering the U.S. under the SIV program, particularly individuals like Tawhedi who previously worked with the CIA in Afghanistan.
According to CBS News, Tawhedi had been employed by the CIA in a security role during the U.S. military presence in Afghanistan, which made him eligible for resettlement in the U.S. under the SIV program. Despite what the Department of Homeland Security has called a “rigorous screening and vetting process,” Tawhedi was able to not only enter the U.S. but allegedly plot a terror attack aimed at Election Day.
The incident prompted immediate and serious questions about the vetting process that allowed Tawhedi to pass through security checks. In a statement to CBS News, a government official insisted, “Every Afghan being resettled in the United States undergoes a rigorous screening and vetting process, no matter which U.S. government agency they worked with.” Still, the fact that Tawhedi came so close to staging an attack has cast doubt on the efficacy of that process.
At a White House press briefing on Thursday, Fox News’ Jacqui Heinrich pressed Mayorkas on these very concerns, questioning how such a significant failure in vetting could occur under his leadership. Mayorkas, speaking via video link from North Carolina, appeared tense as he struggled to maintain composure while addressing Heinrich’s questions. The DHS Secretary attempted to defend the vetting procedures but offered few concrete answers, leaving many wondering if more should have been done to prevent Tawhedi’s entry into the country.
This incident comes as yet another major blow to Mayorkas, whose tenure as DHS Secretary has been marked by frequent controversy. Earlier this year, the House of Representatives voted to impeach him, citing a “willful and systemic refusal to comply with the law” and a “breach of the public trust.” The impeachment, which was backed by Republicans, ultimately stalled in the Senate, where Democrats blocked the effort. As a result, Mayorkas has remained in office, despite mounting criticism and growing calls for his removal.
The terror plot also sheds light on broader concerns surrounding the Biden administration’s handling of immigration and national security, particularly as it relates to individuals from conflict zones like Afghanistan. Many critics have pointed to the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 as a key factor in the current vetting issues. The rush to evacuate thousands of Afghan nationals after the Taliban takeover led to a surge in SIV applications, overwhelming the system and raising questions about whether some individuals were able to slip through without proper vetting.
Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi’s case exemplifies these concerns. Although the FBI successfully prevented the Election Day plot from being carried out, the fact that Tawhedi was able to get as far as he did has left many Americans feeling uneasy about the security of the SIV program.
The arrest of Tawhedi and his co-conspirators has reignited the national debate on immigration and border security. Critics argue that the current administration’s lenient stance on immigration has made the U.S. vulnerable to infiltration by bad actors. Meanwhile, supporters of the administration contend that these cases are rare and that the overwhelming majority of immigrants, including those who come under special visa programs, contribute positively to American society.
As Mayorkas faces increasing pressure to address these concerns, it remains to be seen how the Biden administration will respond to the growing calls for reform. For now, the terror plot has put Mayorkas and his handling of national security back in the spotlight, raising yet another set of questions about his ability to lead the Department of Homeland Security.
Here’s what went down:
Reporter: An Afghan national who was working for the CIA was arrested for plotting a terrorist attack on Election Day. How was he brought here?
Mayorkas: *Refuses to answer*
Reporter: We're getting conflicting answers from DHS
Mayorkas: *Gets angry*pic.twitter.com/IuI1QvauUE
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) October 10, 2024
And here’s the transcript:
HEINRICH: I want to ask you about a different story. This Afghan national who was working for the CIA in Afghanistan, was arrested for planning an Election Day terror plot. He was brought to the US after Afghanistan collapsed, your agency says, as part of the SIV program. The State Department is telling us he was not part of the SIV program, which had strenuous vetting . They say he was never issued an SIV or immigrant visa, and DHS paroled him into the U.S. They further expect the court document to be updated to reflect this from the DOJ side. So, Mr. Secretary, how was this man brought into the U.S.? What screening did he undergo? What did he apply for to get here?
MAYORKAS: Jacqui, I — I’m here in North Carolina — um — uh — communicating with the individuals who are still conducting search and rescue operations. Over 200 people have lost their lives in Hurricane Helene. We have reports that at least 10 individuals have lost their lives as a result of Hurricane Milton. I’d be very pleased to answer your question in a different setting, but we’re here to talk about emergencies and the support that we can deliver to people in desperate need. Thank you!
HEINRICH: I [inaudible] that, Mr. Secretary, but we’re getting conflicting answers from your agency and from the State Department about a man who was arrested for an Election Day terror plot. How do you not have those answers prepared?
MAYORKAS: Oh, Jacqui, that’s — uh — not what I said. What I said is I’d be pleased to discuss this issue at a different time, but I am here to speak about disasters that have impacted people’s lives in real time, and that is a subject that I’m addressing today.
HEINRICH: But can you assure —
KJP: Okay, we’re gonna —
HEINRICH: — Mr. Secretary — can you assure people that appropriate steps have been taken to secure the country against these kinds of threats because the outstanding question is whether this man was radicalized before the U.S. government brought him here or after and people should be concerned about that?
MAYORKAS: Jacqui, Jacqui, Jacqui, your persistence in questioning can be matched by my persistence and answers.
KJP: Ha ha ha! Alright, we’re gonna go.It’s not just that he won’t answer question about how the Biden-Harris administration let a terrorist into the country, it’s the anger and disdain he has for even being asked about it. He clearly believes he doesn’t owe the American people any answers on the matter. And, as Heinrich was hinting, he probably doesn’t even know what’s going on, and it’s not because he’s preoccupied with hurricane relief efforts.
The level of incompetence displayed by Mayorkas should leave citizens – and especially voters – wondering if there is anyone in the Biden-Harris administration who is able to do their job and do it well. It’s scary to think that this guy could actually get a job extension if Kamala Harris and Tim Walz somehow get elected on November 5.
God, Mayorkas, to me, just epitomizes the incompetent and unlikeable “people” in the “Biden administration.” I constantly pray that some “journalist” loses it on this self-righteous piece of excrement.
I hope we can all get tickets to watch!
How can WE the PEOPLE get Mayorkass removed from the position he is occupying? I say he is guilty of either treason or edition and he should be charged with one of these crimes against America and its citizens. Mayorkass is a vile socialist communistic joke being fostered on US the AMERICAN CITIZEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The only sure way is sadly illegal.
Another dei hire! They should have called that DIE because it is killing the country!! This administration has been such a huge failure!!!
WE the People must take action and bring criminal charges against Mayorkass have him charged and arrested for either treason and/or sedition and then removed from his position as head o DHS. This person, Mayorkass is what the problem is with illegals entering this AMERICA.
EeeYaaahh, This P0S should have been impeached, tried for treason and executed long ago with hundreds of Deep State sycophants just like him!
The Uni-Party protected all the Marxists!
Even if impeached, the Feral Courts would have protected him!
Read the Constitution and you will see that the Senate is the one that is supposed to bring charge of impeachment and that body is full of socialist communist liberal demonrats that are infecting this great country. But you are right Mayorkas needs to be removed and arrested!!!!!!!
And Mayorkas is just the kind of Illegal Alien Ilk they are swarming our nation with that will be equally as treacherous and destructive conscript soldiers for the Marxist/Globalist Cabal!
He was and is a True Marxist from CUBA!
Well there you go, That uncivilized piece of shit Fuc**** Muslim friend of the Communist Anti-American homosexual Muslim Obama worked or is still working with the Communist CIA, with approval of that get out of Jail free card Communist Anti-American Mayorkas, who should have been beaten and tortured then faced a Fireing Squad as should all Communist Democrats who voted against his impeachment.!
Mayorkas should have his skull opened up and the shit removed and replaced with a candle as a Jack-O-Lantern on Halloween.
Then shove that Muslim Tawlibe into a woodchipper.! Every American should know that it’s the Communist in Washington DC who gave that subhuman, barbaric Muslim the weapons, just so they can eliminate the 2nd Amendment.
I believe the Communist Democrats and Communist CIA have plans to take out President Trump and their still not finished planning.
Election Day is just around the corner America, remain armed, all Muslims must die and illegal gangs.
I will.
Just when you thought things couldn’t get any more unpredictable, an unsettling scene unfolded at Trump International Hotel & Tower in Chicago. On Tuesday night, the arrest of 21-year-old Brandon Peck sent shockwaves through the city and beyond, drawing a massive police presence to the iconic hotel. Peck, a resident of Oakwood, Ohio, was caught with four firearms—two found in his room, one in his car, and another in his father’s room. Authorities responded swiftly, with police vehicles and a SWAT team flooding the area in response to a hotel employee’s tip about a gun.
According to his defense, Peck claimed he brought the firearms for protection due to concerns about Chicago’s reputation for violent crime. It’s a defense that may seem plausible at first glance, but as the details emerged, many were left wondering: how many guns does one person need for “protection”? And why bring them to a high-security location like Trump Tower, especially when former President Donald Trump is expected to stay there soon?
It was a well-known learned fact that the US Gov and its contractors hired dangerous people who were often found to work for whatever country they came from. It was often found that a simple translator was used as one of their operatives. We most notably observed that we never got attacked when leaving our compounds to give the people something they wanted the US to provide. But one had to watch out when we left the meet and greet on our return to our bases we could be attacked. This type of operative is what Majerkus vetted to save their worthless lives by bringing them to the US!
Don’t let them get you down Alex. You are the perfect example of the type bureaucrat I discuss in the lessons learned presented below. Soldier/Cop, Retired
RAPE, PILLAGE, PLUNDER; AMERICA YOU’VE BEEN HAD!
My fellow Americans, as an 81 year old soldier/cop serving primarily in counter-terrorism/community security activities throughout most of my 60 year plus career (started when I joined army while Eisenhower was in office) I have been trying since 1980 to make each of you aware of the primary threats to your way of life. I have asked Americans over and over again what will it take for you to stand up and take back those rights given to you by God and promised to be respected/protected by our founding fathers when they drafted the Constitution? From what I see/hear/feel each and everyday since Joe Biden stole the presidency I must admit to the American people that I have failed in my oaths as a soldier and cop to protect the American people from all of their enemies!
Now, In consideration of all of the corruption/incompetence/treachery/etc., coming forth under the brightest light ever thanks to the Biden/Harris administration and their bosses/supporters here and around the world, I am just asking where most of you Americans stand in regards to your rights/roles/duties as citizens.
Seems the arrival of Donald J. Trump followed by Biden’s assumption of the Presidency has stripped us all naked to expose not only the sores on our bodies, but those on our souls as well!
The lessons learned I am passing on to you may give you a glimpse into the inner world of a government that devotes most of its time/energy ruling you versus serving/protecting you from the vantage point of one who served in government from the municipal through the federal level as a soldier and cop.
Most of the lessons learned (Note: After the Biden/Harris administration’s performance to date in dealing with hurricanes Helene and Milton I have only included those lessons learned most relevant to the current situation) were originally drafted in the late eighties as the prelude to a book titled: ‘Rape, Pillage, Plunder; America, You’ve Been Had!’ The Department of Defense denied permission to publish the book in that they classified an investigation detailed therein that named a gaggle of politicians and bureaucrats at every level of government as subjects. Three of those subjects went on to be elected to the office of President of the United States of America!
A SOLDIER/COP’S LESSONS LEARNED
*The end goal of the World/American elites and their minions is not (nor ever has been) socialism, communism, fascism, or capitalism. The elites of the World/America and their minions have used all manner of ideologies, religions, terrorism, wars, etc., to drive the masses/peasants/serfs/whoever/whomever/whatever in one direction. That direction leads to one of the oldest forms of human control ever employed in the history of mankind. That form of human control is; “FEUDALISM!”
* The ‘Seven C’s of Leadership’ according to a survey of Vietnam era ground combat veterans listed of the order of their importance to the veterans are; Candor, Competence, Consistency, Commitment, Courage, Compassion, and Courtesy. The reason the veterans chose “Candor” first and foremost, is because candor encompasses both omission and co-mission. To a combat veteran the lack of absolute candor, be it co-mission or omission, are equal sins! It has been my observation that, democrats are masters of co-mission while republicans are masters of omission!
*The American people are the most effectively lied to people in modern times thanks primarily to the political class, the bureaucracy, the media, and academia.
*The greatest threats to the American people are the corrupt and/or incompetent politicians/bureaucrats/academicians found at every level of government/academia, and the majority of the so-called media.
*The second greatest threat to the American people is that presented by radical Muslims bent on ridding the world of non-believers, installing Sharia as the only law of the land, and Islam as the world’s only religion. Note: For all of you non-Muslims who think you support Islam I strongly suggest you carefully study the game plan supposedly first presented by Mohammad (The Prophet) in the early 600’s and the current socialization/cultural practices of the current Iranian government. I submit unless you are a sadistic male you will not enjoy life as a Muslim.
*Most of the politicians/bureaucrats/academicians/media types I have encountered during my years as a soldier and a cop I currently refer to as; self-serving, witless, corrupt, incompetent, cowards. Prior to retiring to the deep woods I referred to most of the before mentioned folks as self-serving, witless, corrupt, incompetent, cowardly, piss-ants. After retiring to the deep woods I came to know that piss-ants are neither self-serving nor witless, and certainly not cowards!
*The American Profession of Arms and our brothers/sisters in blue have failed to protect the American people from all of their enemies, both foreign and ‘most especially’ domestic.
*There are only two primary requirements to be a career soldier and/or cop in America. One must be smart enough to do the work and dumb enough to take the job.
*American soldiers and police officers must in addition to mastering all of their professionally mandated tasks learn to accomplish the same with at least one arm tied behind their backs, and their vision and hearing impaired 50% or more.
*After carefully watching the whole of the political class for many years I can say without reservation that most of the group will sell their souls and our bodies just to remain in power.
*Want to see what the United States of America will look like if the left/progressives take total control of the government? Take your pick, New York City, Baltimore, Chicago, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Oakland, Portland, or the complete packages; California, New York, Illinois, etc, etc, etc…..!
*If the so-called ‘progressive movement’ continues unchecked a number of able veterans/soldiers/cops are going to be presented with a challenge/decision. Are the American people worth another drop of our sweat and/or our blood?
*Arrogance coupled with ignorance equals stupidity.
Have a nice day,
Soldier/Cop,Retired
“If the so-called ‘progressive movement’ continues unchecked….” This current ‘Banana Republic’ run country will be the next Venezuela! As you did, I served America when America was much more the America of old. This America is nothing like the America I grew up in. And, as an ‘old’ realist, long past my ‘use by date,’ I fear not for myself, but, sadly, know that my grandchildren will never know the early America I have known!
Your minimalist comments concerning Muslims is pretty much spot on. I would only add:
Call me an ‘Islamophobe’ because I do believe: “Islam is a caustic blend of paganism and twisted Bible stories. Muhammad, its lone ‘prophet, who made no prophecies, conceived his religion to satiate his lust for power, sex, and money. He was a terrorist.” BibleProbe
Correct, and years back when Venezuela was being decimated by Marxist thuggery I said watch out its “Venezuela here we come” as the commies right here in our own government along with their counterparts down in that hell-hole plan to import all the same problems and destruction to America! When Biden/Harris got the control, Harris went right to work spending much of her time down in the Central American hell-hole and other surrounding dictatorship nations saying she was investigating the issues to help the Border Crisis! Bullshit, she was there promoting it and much worse! Like the 350,000 children that have gone missing, which I’m sure she was in on that, just the way her Great Granddaddy Hamilton Brown was so prolific a human trafficker she followed suit, being spawn of Satan!
Deport that lying pos Mayorkas back to Cuba where that Commie Pos Camr from.
IMMEDIATELY!
Typical Biden Administration obfuscation and lies. Another member of the most incompetent corrupt administration in history. They should ALL be tossed in jail and let the honest ones be sorted out. That would be easier than finding the honest ones to start with. Can anyone name one agency currently being run honestly and transparently?
don, there’s not one agency that’s honest or transparent.
Their all In it for the money and against the United States.
That’s what this Communist Democrat government is counting on, to destroy America and the Constitution.
Fuc* them all.
Exactly Brother Michael!
All are on the big Democrap Commie Traitor “Gravy Train” and “don’t give a rat’s ass” about their oaths of office or America and its Citizens; not one IOTA!
Mayorka needs to be put in prison and throw away he key.
Pull Mayorkas green card and send his pathetic ass back to Cuba. He should be charged with Treason and in prison for the rest of his life.
Rope is cheaper and reusable!
Very effective at ending such problems for good too!
more denials and word salads this administration is a complete Circus of CLOWNS!!!!!!
This treasonous flak, along with all his minions, should be jailed. Thank God this clown never made it to that SCOTUS bench! With a ‘guesstimated’ 20 million ILLEGAL invaders roaming the country, this is a surprise?
As was said in my long ago military days, “STAND BY, IT CAN AND WILL GET WORSE.” Coming to a town, city, state, near you, B O O M !!
Trained By The CIA And Enabled-Then Cut Loose And Discovered He Hadn’t Learned a Thing!-Arrest It And Pretend “They”-Saved The Day!-Re-Training Needed! Meanwhile Other Trainees are Doing Much Better With a Little $$- Equipment+ Intel! The Worst is Yet to Come!!
MUCH WORSE! But it won’t be these scheming pigs that get hurt; only innocent Citizens!
How are rigorous vetting conducted without proper documentation. This is another Democrat lie. We have no idea who these people are. CBP’s orders are to let them in as fast as possible. Flood our country with American hating immigrants only here for free benefits.
And here to do damage by just being parasites but then worse when turned loose to do real damage! Summer riots of 2020 by Antifa/BLM will be “Camp Fire Girls” in comparison to what will be unleashed by the conscripts!
Congress refused to impeach this P0S, or Biden, or Obama.
Complicit cowards!
Correct! Nobody has or wanted to do the right thing; only thinking of self-preservation like any wet snotty nose whining Snowflake Traitors would!
This is indicative of the entire Biden/Harris administration. What is it the the Democrat American Citizens don’t understand? They can’t let their sense of pride and hate for Trump allow this country to get any worse by continuing this destruction by Harris becoming President. I can’t believe all these people are this messed up!
They better not be because if they want to hate Trump to a fault which they are and do the wrong thing now they will in a short time realize when they get porked and screwed-over royally by the evil administration and party they’ve been supporting, and by then it will be so bad for them, and too damned late to stop what will happen, to them and all American Citizens! They had better drop their selfish stupid pride issues and put their big pants on FAST, as in NOW!
The entire Biden/Harris administration is only a bunch of incompetent, lying criminal Traitors! All losers to the nth degree!
Mayorkas and the rest should be locked up in GITMO!
MajerkAss : A$$ $0UL !
Another dei hire! They should have called that DIE because it is killing the country!! This administration has been such a huge failure!!!
This Treasonous POS evil bastard is ready to join the Manchurian Candidate China Joe in Hell. They are two of the evilest governmental figures in US History!