- The FBI issued a heightened terrorism threat level alert this week in the wake of the ongoing combat between Israel and the Hamas terror group
- Florida officials received a confidential security briefing in Boynton Beach
- Attorney General Ashley Moody and other state officials challenged the Biden Administration to be more forthcoming about foreign nationals being released in Florida and elsewhere after illegal border crossings.
In a concerted response to the heightened terrorism threat level outlined by FBI Director Christopher Wray this week, Florida officials, including Attorney General Ashley Moody, have intensified their call to action for citizens to report any suspicious activities – but Moody also used the press conference to challenge the Biden Administration to be more forthcoming about foreign nationals being released in Florida and other states.
The urgent appeal follows a confidential security briefing in Boynton Beach, where concerns regarding the ongoing conflict in Israel and its repercussions for Florida’s security were discussed.
Attorney General Moody, alongside Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Commissioner Mark Glass and Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) Executive Director Dave Kerner, has put forth a strong stance against what they perceive as weakened border security under President Joe Biden’s administration. In a direct challenge, they have requested detailed information from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) concerning foreign nationals who have been released after detention at the Southwest border and are currently in Florida.
Reflecting on the DHS memo warning of “foreign fighters” potentially infiltrating the U.S. amid the surge of immigrants, Moody underscored the pressing need for transparency regarding the whereabouts and intentions of such individuals. The request for DHS data underscores the concern over “special interest aliens,” a term referring to individuals from countries where terrorism is prevalent or supported, and who may pose a security threat to the U.S.
This initiative echoes the recent actions of FDLE agents, who, in cooperation with the Joint Terrorism Task Force, apprehended a man in Sarasota linked to threats against a Jewish community leader and institution. Commissioner Glass emphasized the importance of community vigilance, citing the critical role of public reporting in preventing acts of terror and saving lives.
To bolster this community-driven security effort, Floridians are advised to remain alert to any unusual or potentially threatening behavior or activities, such as the unexplained presence of vehicles in strange locations, unattended items that could conceal threats, or the damage to security installations. Reports of such activities are to be directed to the state’s hotline, 855-FLA-SAFE, or in emergencies, to 911.