Homeland Security Director Testifies About Southwest Border Terrorist Threats

Published: Tuesday, September 23, 2014 - 11:46am

Homeland Security Director Jeh Johnson spent some time on Capitol Hill on Monday, answering questions about terrorists potentially entering the U.S. by crossing the Southwest border. 

Johnson said there is no specific intelligence that members of are crossing into the U.S. from Mexico.  But Utah Republican Jason Chaffetz wanted to know about reports of four terrorists being apprehended on the border.

“I’ve heard reports to that effect. I don’t know the accuracy of the reports or how much credence to give them, but I’ve heard reports to that effect," Johnson said.

Chaffetz responded, “I guess that’s my concern is you as the Secretary. Does that information rise to the level of the Secretary?”

Johnson said he is concerned about the threat of terrorists coming across the Southwest border. One witness told the committee there has been chatter that ISIS is trying to enter the U.S. from the south.