8 people from Tajikistan with suspected links to ISIS arrested in Los Angeles and other cities, sources tell ABC News

LOS ANGELES (KABC) — According to ABC News sources, eight people with suspected links to ISIS were arrested following investigations in Los Angeles, Philadelphia and New York City.

The suspects reportedly originated from Tajikistan and entered the United States across the southern border in 2023.

ABC News learned that the suspects were initially allowed to enter the United States after a background check and no national security concerns were uncovered.

However, according to sources, authorities have uncovered information in recent weeks suggesting links or affiliation with ISIS-K.

Tajikistan is described as a hotbed of recruitment for the terrorist organization.

And according to experts, the threat of terrorism is increasing.

“I think the threat level is higher than it has ever been,” said retired FBI agent Bobby Chacon. “We’ve heard that from both the Attorney General and the FBI Director in recent testimony before Congress. It’s giving them sleepless nights.”

The arrests were carried out by ICE agents in recent days.

Further details on the investigation were not immediately available.

Efforts are underway to deport the suspects. No terrorism charges have been filed.

The FBI and Department of Homeland Security released the following statement:

“Over the past few days, ICE agents have arrested several noncitizens at the direction of immigration authorities. The actions were taken in close coordination with the FBI’s joint terrorism task force. The arrested individuals are being held in ICE custody awaiting deportation. As the FBI and DHS have described in recent public and partner bulletins, there is an elevated threat environment in the United States. The FBI and DHS will continue to work with our partners around the clock to identify, investigate, and disrupt potential national security threats.”