A discerning voice from the counterterrorism community has surfaced, sounding the alarm over a silent yet growing national security threat—Iranian sleeper cells, supposedly embedded within the rural fabric of the United States. Jonathan Gilliam, a former FBI special agent with a background in counterterrorism, suggests that these covert operatives, potentially in place for years or even decades, could become active as U.S.-Iran tensions intensify.
The heartland of America, often distinguished by its tranquility and sprawling landscapes, may now harbor a clandestine danger. Gilliam, in a recent interview with Fox News, disclosed that these operatives are living "in plain sight," melding into the day-to-day existence of less populated areas. With the U.S. targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, there's a looming risk that these dormant networks might receive activation orders, bringing the potential for violence closer to home.
"The most unsettling part is that these individuals might already be here, blending into everyday life," Gilliam cautioned. His words come as a stark reminder that threats to national security can emerge from within the most unexpected and serene settings.
Concerns have escalated regarding the U.S. border security policies under the Biden administration. Critics argue that the approach has been too lenient, allowing an increased influx of Iranian nationals without thorough vetting. Border Patrol data records that from 2021 to 2024, 1,504 Iranian nationals were apprehended, with 729 released while awaiting asylum hearings. Gilliam points out this policy as a gap in oversight that could be exploited by antagonistic elements.
In the wake of U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites on June 22, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a bulletin to local and state law enforcement. The document underscored the risk of retaliatory attacks by Iranian-backed domestic extremists, particularly if Iranian leadership called for vengeance as a religious edict.
The Homeland Security alert also highlighted Iran's ongoing efforts to target U.S. government officials connected to the 2020 assassination of Iranian military figure Qassem Soleimani. Gilliam underscored that rural American communities, with their typically lighter security infrastructure, could be especially susceptible to attacks, similar to those witnessed internationally in places like Israel and India.
Arrests of approximately 670 individuals linked to Iran, some with backgrounds as military snipers or members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, further underline the concern. The Revolutionary Guard is an elite force dedicated to protecting Iran's Supreme Leader and advancing the nation's regional objectives.
This ominous portrait of Iranian sleeper cells is the culmination of years of intelligence gathering and law enforcement diligence. Analysts caution that the fusion of geopolitical strains, domestic vulnerabilities, and shifting tactics paints a complex and perilous threat landscape.
As the national security apparatus monitors and combats these dangers, the importance of vigilance is amplified for rural Americans. The role of local law enforcement and community awareness becomes paramount in thwarting potential attacks and preserving public safety.
