The BTA sent this letter to DHS Sec. Nielsen in February 2018 seeking further information on a DHS report regarding attempted entries into the U.S. by individuals on the terrorist watchlist. Specifically, we inquire about how many terrorism-related convictions between 2001-2016 were of individuals from Mexico, and how many encounters with individuals on the watchlist took place at the U.S.-Mexico border.

As the administration continues to seek construction of a border wall, we believe it’s important to understand the role the border and Mexico have played in the fight against terrorism.