Suspected terrorists could potentially use the southern border to gain entry into the United States. This concern has escalated in recent days as the Israel-Hamas conflict continues.

During the week of Oct. 15, Fox News reported the apprehension of individuals described as “special interest aliens” from Iran and Lebanon as they tried to cross into the U.S.

Special Interest Aliens (SIAs) are individuals whose travel patterns may raise national security concerns for the U.S. However, there has been no confirmation of their terrorist status. Nevertheless, apprehensions of individuals matching the U.S. terrorist watchlist have significantly increased.