The possibility of sleeper cells inflicting terror domestically has “never been higher” following attacks on Iran, according to an agency chief. However, there are no specific threats at the moment.
A memo on Saturday from U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott issued the warning, The Hill reported via sister outlet NewsNation, which obtained the memo. Sleeper cells are made up of people living undercover who ostensibly have normal everyday lives before they are called on to attack.
“Thousands of Iranian nationals have been documented entering the United States illegally and countless more were likely in the known and unknown got-a-ways,” the memo read. “Though we have not received any specific credible threats to share with you all, the threat of sleeper cells or sympathizers acting on their own, or at the behest of Iran has never been higher.”
Sources told MSNBC that Iran sent a message to President Donald Trump vowing to activate sleeper cells before the U.S. got directly involved in Iran.
CBP didn’t immediately respond to a HuffPost request for comment.
After the CBP memo, Homeland Security released a more general bulletin cautioning Americans that the U.S. and Israel’s conflict with Iran is “causing a heightened threat environment in the United States.” However, there have been no specific credible threats, Homeland Security also noted.
“Low-level cyber attacks against U.S. networks by pro-Iranian hacktivists are likely, and cyber actors affiliated with the Iranian government may conduct attacks against U.S. networks,” the bulletin read. “Iran also has a long-standing commitment to target U.S. Government officials it views as responsible for the death of an Iranian military commander killed in January 2020.”
In Trump’s first term, he ordered a strike at Baghdad International Airport that killed top Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani. Iran vowed “severe revenge,” and Trump has been a target since.
The Homeland Security bulletin also hinted at sleeper cell activity, saying, “Multiple recent Homeland terrorist attacks have been motivated by anti-Semitic or anti-Israel sentiment, and the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict could contribute to U.S.-based individuals plotting additional attacks.”
Domestic violence connected to U.S. foreign policy has a long history, with past attackers connecting with militancy abroad or citing wars to justify their assaults, but perpetrators have often been U.S. nationals.
