Former U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft Warns of Continued Threat from Terrorist Community

Strategic Insights -

The capture of the Times Square bombing suspect has provided a sense of relief, but former U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft emphasizes that the terrorist community still poses a significant threat to American freedom. Ashcroft highlights the complexity of immigration issues, citing the naturalization process of the suspect and the potential for individuals with long-term goals to infiltrate the country. He also weighs in on the Arizona immigration crackdown, stating that the state has a right to enforce federal law and participate in immigration enforcement.

Key Takeaways:

  • The terrorist community still poses a significant threat to American freedom, according to former U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft.
  • The naturalization process of the Times Square bombing suspect provides an example of how individuals with serious long-term goals can infiltrate the country.
  • Ashcroft notes that 9/11 bombers largely entered the country legally, but overstayed their visas.
  • The U.S. has approximately 500-600 million border crossings per year, making it challenging to identify and mitigate threats.
  • Ashcroft supports the Arizona immigration crackdown, stating that the state has a right to enforce federal law and participate in immigration enforcement.
  • The Arizona situation is primarily a crime problem and a response to the overloading of the state's social service systems due to the influx of illegal immigrants.
  • Ashcroft believes that the people of Arizona have a right to make decisions regarding immigration enforcement within their state.

Statistics:

  • 500-600 million: The estimated number of border crossings per year in the U.S.
  • 9/11 bombers: Largely entered the country legally but overstayed their visas.
  • 53 hours: The time it took to apprehend the Times Square bombing suspect.

Sources:

  • Federal News Service, Inc. ("FOX NEWS CHANNEL 'YOUR WORLD' INTERVIEW WITH FORMER U.S. ATTORNEY GENERAL JOHN ASHCROFT")

*Neil Cavuto, interviewer

*John Ashcroft, former U.S. Attorney General