Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) expressed deep concerns about the current state of the U.S. southern border, stating that the conditions there are causing him heightened worry regarding the potential for terrorist attacks akin to 9/11 occurring on American soil. In an interview on NBC’s “Meet The Press” with Kristen Welker, Graham highlighted the urgent need for addressing border security, particularly in light of ongoing Senate negotiations with the White House on a border package.
Graham emphasized that the discussions with the White House have been ongoing since September, but significant progress had only been made recently, with the administration presenting a supplemental plan focused on border security that, according to Graham, did not bring substantial policy changes. He expressed dissatisfaction, stating that despite the talks, they were far from reaching a resolution and anticipates the negotiations to extend into the coming year.
The urgency behind fixing the border issue was underscored by FBI Director Christopher Wray’s recent testimony, where he signaled alarming warning signs suggesting the potential for a terrorist attack. Graham highlighted the vulnerability of the southern border, citing the influx of 6 million people since January ’21, with an additional 3.6 million expected this year. He attributed this situation to policy choices made by the Biden administration, characterizing the border as perilous and a potential threat to America’s security. Furthermore, he referenced Wray’s statements about jihadist groups expressing a desire to target the United States due to its support for Israel.
Graham’s concerns about the border’s vulnerability and the potential for a 9/11-style attack were voiced with a sense of urgency and determination. He stressed the need for more than just temporary fixes, rejecting what he described as a “Band-Aid fix” and emphasizing the importance of substantive, long-term solutions to secure the border and protect the nation from potential threats posed by the current situation.
