A South African individual who entered the United States illegally was apprehended in New York City following a match on the terrorist watchlist. Initially detained in Texas for trespassing, the person was subsequently released, according to U.S. Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens.
A Texas Department of Public Safety official confirmed to Fox News that the migrant's initial arrest occurred on a ranch near Eagle Pass in September. He was then transferred to federal border patrol, who released him. Texas DPS spokesperson, Lt. Chris Olivarez, documented the arrest on social media, noting the apprehension of 36 illegal migrants, including individuals from Turkey, Pakistan, India, and Vietnam.
U.S. Border Patrol announced the arrest of a South African national and suspected terrorist in Brooklyn, NY. (Chief Jason Owens via X)
A subsequent investigation revealed the watchlist match, prompting a multi-agency effort to detain the individual in Brooklyn. The circumstances surrounding the suspect's arrival in New York City remain unclear.
An Eagle Pass Border Patrol agent looks over the Rio Grande scanning the area illegal traffic. (Shaul Schwarz/Getty Images)
The suspect is currently in custody pending removal proceedings. Fox News Digital has contacted Border Patrol for further comment.
