The FBI intensifies counter-terrorism efforts nationwide following recent US airstrikes in Iran, shifting resources and arresting individuals with alleged ties to Iranian militant groups. While no specific threats have been confirmed, authorities remain on high alert.
Federal agencies have increased coordination with local law enforcement since the strikes. Over the weekend, the FBI and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) briefed state leaders and police departments about potential risks. Simultaneously, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained 11 Iranian nationals, including former members of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and individuals flagged on terror watchlists.
One arrest in Minnesota involved a man allegedly linked to Hezbollah. Another in Mississippi targeted a suspected terrorist living in the US for eight years. A third detainee in Alabama reportedly served as an Iranian military sniper before arriving in 2024. Officials stress these arrests reflect routine immigration enforcement rather than active terror plots.
Sources reveal the FBI intensifies counter-terrorism focus by reassigning agents previously dedicated to immigration cases. A Sunday memo directed field offices to prioritize terror threats, though the bureau publicly denies operational changes. “We realign resources to address pressing threats,” an FBI statement noted, avoiding direct confirmation.
Republican lawmakers have amplified concerns about Iranian “sleeper cells” allegedly entering under the Biden administration. Experts like Dr. Lorenzo Vidino of George Washington University acknowledge Iran’s history of sponsoring US attacks but caution that recent arrests may involve sanctions violators rather than active operatives.
Iran has long been linked to plots on American soil, including assassination attempts against officials like President Trump. The National Terrorism Advisory System warns of a “heightened threat environment,” urging vigilance against cyberattacks and lone-actor violence.
Since 9/11, federal-local security collaboration has become standard. Recent tensions prompted increased patrols near Jewish sites and government buildings. While a Iran-Israel ceasefire holds, the FBI intensifies counter-terrorism protocols, reflecting enduring caution.
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