The National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) has reported a marked increase in the prevention of known or suspected terrorists (KSTs) from entering the United States. The federal agencies' efforts have been linked to policy changes initiated during President Donald Trump's tenure, resulting in over 6,500 KSTs being stopped in recent months. This surge in enforcement is attributed to the classification of various transnational criminal organizations as foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs), thus enhancing law enforcement capabilities to act against individuals deemed high-risk.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data revealed a record number of apprehensions in fiscal year 2025, with more than 3,000 KSTs detained—exceeding the previous high of 1,903 under the Biden administration. These results highlight a significant shift in the U.S. approach towards national security, centering on the identification, detention, and removal of KSTs.
Historically, most KST apprehensions have occurred along the northern border with Canada. Between fiscal years 2021 and 2024, 64 percent of these individuals—1,216 in total—were stopped while attempting to cross from Canada. However, the latest data from fiscal year 2025 indicates a shift in patterns, with the southwest border land ports accounting for the majority of KST apprehensions, amounting to 2,782 incidents. This change points to the evolving nature of threats and the effectiveness of the current administration's security measures.
The designation of organizations such as MS-13, Tren de Aragua, and various Mexican cartels as FTOs has been a key factor in this enforcement expansion. These designations have empowered authorities to make arrests and take enforcement actions that were previously restricted by older guidelines. The Trump administration's focus on public safety has been further evidenced by the arrest of major criminal figures, including cartel leaders and individuals involved in an infant trafficking network.
NCTC Director Tulsi Gabbard expressed that these measures have significantly disrupted networks that might have otherwise gone undetected. Joe Kent, Director of National Intelligence, emphasized the proactive nature of these operations, stating, "This is just the tip of the iceberg. We're doing this and more every day."
The federal Terrorist Screening Dataset (TSDS), which contains detailed biographical and biometric information, plays a critical role in this enforcement framework. Shared among multiple law enforcement agencies, the TSDS facilitates rapid identification and apprehension of KSTs at ports of entry and between crossings. By October of fiscal 2025, over 35,000 KSTs had been added to the TSDS, streamlining interagency coordination and efficiency.
This intensified enforcement strategy under the Trump administration marks a departure from previous, more lenient policies. Officials have underscored the effectiveness of these measures in enhancing border safety and national security. The proactive and rigorous approach of President Trump's administration has yielded tangible results in the fight against terrorism, as echoed by the appreciation shown in social media posts by commentators such as Armstrong Williams.
