Border Patrol officers apprehended Basel Bassel Ebbadi, a 22-year-old Lebanese migrant, near El Paso, Texas, on March 9, following his admission of intentions to engage in bomb-making activities in New York City and his association with the terrorist group Hezbollah.
According to documents disclosed by The New York Post, Ebbadi confessed during interrogation, revealing his extensive training in “jihad” and his involvement in safeguarding weapon stockpiles for Hezbollah. He disclosed a decade-long affiliation with the organization, emphasizing his training’s focus on targeting non-Muslims.
This arrest underscores a troubling pattern of individuals on the terror watchlist attempting illegal entry into the US, with 59 such detentions reported in the first four months of 2024 alone. This surge signals a notable escalation from previous years, highlighting heightened security risks along the border.
Ebbadi’s case prompts discussions on the efficacy of current migrant screening procedures, particularly in light of his professed intentions to escape violence in Lebanon. His apprehension precedes a marked uptick in encounters with individuals flagged on terror watchlists, underscoring the ongoing complexities confronting border security agencies.
