Four Years of Border Breach: U.S. Officials Warn Iranian Sleeper Cells May Already Be Here
As tensions between the United States and Iran escalate, security experts and former federal officials are raising alarms over a deeply unsettling prospect: sleeper cells may already be on American soil—hidden in plain sight—thanks to the Biden administration’s open-border policies.
In recent weeks, reports have surfaced citing the release of over 700 Iranian nationals into the United States, many without comprehensive vetting or background checks. Among the 1,504 Iranian nationals apprehended at the border under the current administration, 729 were reportedly released, prompting what some insiders describe as a silent panic within national security circles.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a formal alert explicitly naming sleeper cells, a heightened threat bulletin has been disseminated across federal and local agencies. According to that bulletin, the risk of terrorism on U.S. soil has increased significantly in response to U.S. airstrikes against Iranian regime targets. But for former officials, such warnings come dangerously late.
“With the way our border was left wide open, there’s no doubt in my mind there could be cells already here waiting to be activated,” said Tom Homan, former Acting Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, during an interview on Fox News.
A former FBI special agent echoed the same concerns, stating that Iran is known for using proxies and clandestine tactics to carry out long-term attacks. The porous border offers a frightening vector: “This is not a hypothetical threat. This is now a national security vulnerability that could be exploited at any moment.”
These concerns are compounded by the sharp increase in Terror Watchlist encounters at the southern border, which rose to 151 in FY 2023, compared to single-digit figures in prior years. While DHS maintains these encounters represent a small percentage of overall crossings, the surge in “gotaways”—an estimated 2 million individuals who entered without apprehension—remains unaccounted for, leaving intelligence gaps that could prove fatal.
In the absence of full transparency from DHS, many in law enforcement and national security are relying on insider briefings, leaked memos, and independent data tracking. Lawmakers are now demanding accountability, asking: Who were these individuals? What do we know about them? And what’s the plan if even one of them was sent here with hostile intent?
“The reality is simple,” said security analyst Jonathan Gilliam. “You cannot defend a nation with wide open borders. What we’re seeing isn’t just incompetence—it may be complicity.”
But with Iran vowing revenge, and China and Russia posturing in support of Tehran, the risk of a coordinated asymmetrical attack on U.S. soil has never felt more imminent.
America’s past open borders are viewed by many as an invitation to infiltration—and perhaps, a countdown to catastrophe.
Public Security Precautions Amid Sleeper Cell Threats
1. Stay Informed
Sign up for local emergency alerts via your county or city government website.
Monitor trusted sources such as DHS, FBI, and your local law enforcement agencies.
Follow NTAS bulletins: www.dhs.gov/ntas
2. Practice Situational Awareness
Be alert in crowded public areas, transportation hubs, government buildings, and places of worship.
Watch for:
People behaving oddly (e.g., nervous, loitering, overly interested in security layouts).
Abandoned backpacks, suitcases, or packages.
Vehicles parked unusually or left running near buildings.
3. Report Suspicious Activity
“If you see something, say something.” Call 911 or your local FBI tip line.
Report anonymously at: tips.fbi.gov
Include time, location, physical description, vehicle info, and behavior observed.
4. Trust Your Instincts
If something feels wrong, don’t ignore it. Many successful terror plots were thwarted because civilians noticed odd behaviors and reported them.
5. Avoid Routine When Possible
Vary your daily travel routes and times to avoid becoming predictable.
This is especially important for public figures, law enforcement, and military families.
6. Be Prepared for Emergencies
Know the exit routes in malls, offices, airports, and stadiums.
Keep a small emergency go-kit with:
Water, flashlight, phone charger, first aid, and ID.
Teach your family emergency communication plans in case of cellphone outage.
7. Protect Houses of Worship and Community Spaces
Encourage your church, synagogue, mosque, or cultural center to:
Develop a security protocol
Train volunteers on threat response
Coordinate with local police for patrols or presence
8. Cyber Vigilance
Some sleeper cells may also engage in cyber disruption:
Be cautious with suspicious emails or text messages.
Use 2-factor authentication on accounts.
Back up essential data offline.
Final Note:
We are not powerless. The first line of defense is an alert and prepared public. While the risk may be invisible, the response must be visible, calm, and constant.
References
Fox News. (2025, June 22). Biden admin released 729 Iranian nationals amid terror concerns. https://www.foxnews.com/politics/over-700-iranian-nationals-released-us-during-biden-administration-despite-terrorism-concerns
Fox News. (2025, June 22). ‘Open borders’ under Biden could help Iran retaliate with US terror sleeper cells: former FBI boss. https://www.foxnews.com/us/open-borders-under-biden-could-help-iran-retaliate-us-terror-sleeper-cells-former-fbi-boss
The National Desk. (2025, June 20). Law enforcement heightens surveillance amid sleeper cell concerns. https://kfoxtv.com/news/nation-world/law-enforcement-heightens-surveillance-amid-sleeper-cell-concerns-in-us-tom-homan-security-iran-terrorists
U.S. Customs and Border Protection. (2024). CBP Enforcement Statistics Fiscal Year 2023. https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/stats
DHS National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin. (2025, June 22). Heightened Threat Environment. [Internal DHS document – referenced in Fox reporting
