GOP Reps Demand DOJ Justify Their Release of Illegal Aliens From Quantico

Republican representatives demand the Department of Justice to explain the release of two illegal immigrants apprehended at Quantico.

At a Glance

More than a dozen GOP lawmakers question the DOJ’s decision.
They focus on national security, legal procedures, and immigration enforcement.
The migrants were released despite illegal status and military trespass.
Concerns arise over possible terrorist connections.

Republicans Seek DOJ Transparency

Republican representatives are pressing the Department of Justice for greater transparency regarding the release of two undocumented immigrants apprehended at Quantico. Led by Arizona Rep. Andy Biggs, they sent a letter to the US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. This action underscores the persistent political debate surrounding immigration policy and the need for clear communication from federal agencies.

The migrants, Hasan Yousef Hamdan and Mohammad Khair Dabous, were initially released by ICE after their May 3 arrest for trespassing. A magistrate judge ordered their release again on July 22 on misdemeanor trespassing charges, with the condition they attend court for immigration proceedings and avoid military bases. Rep. Biggs and his colleagues criticized the release, particularly given their illegal status and the sensitive nature of their trespass.

National Security Concerns

Lawmakers expressed concerns about potential terrorist connections, questioning if the pair were conducting a dry-run for a future terrorist attack. Military guards determined the men had no legitimate business on the base and stopped them after they ignored instructions. Homeland Security records did not indicate that either man is on a terror watchlist, but the lawmakers remain wary.

“The pair were released despite not only their statuses as illegal aliens who are subject to removal but also their having trespassed on a U.S. military installation, an act which is potentially connected to current or future terrorist activity,” the lawmakers wrote in the letter obtained by The Post.

Hamdan and Dabous claimed they were Amazon subcontractors attempting to make a delivery to the base. However, military guards were not convinced and quickly detained them for questioning. Further scrutiny revealed that Hamdan crossed the southern border illegally in April, while Dabous overstayed a student visa.

Broader Immigration Concerns

The issue of illegal immigration reaches beyond this single case. The United States faces significant problems, including over 17 million illegal immigrants currently residing in the country. In September alone, there were 269,735 encounters along the southern border, the highest ever recorded in a single month. FY23 encounters reached 2.48 million, the highest annual number on record.

Illegal immigration strains public funds, education, healthcare, affordable housing, and natural resources. It also compromises national security by allowing potential terrorists to enter the country. Comprehensive enforcement measures are needed to address illegal immigration, including deterrence, apprehension, and removal.

President Biden’s policies have led to 3.8 million illegal border crossings and 900,000 known “got-aways.” House Republicans propose fully funding border enforcement, ending catch-and-release, and eliminating welfare incentives. They emphasize that citizenship should be reserved for those who uphold American laws and the Constitution.