A South African individual who entered the United States unlawfully was identified as a “positive match” on the terrorist watchlist, which led to his prompt arrest in New York City.
The unnamed South African national, as mentioned by U.S. Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens, was initially held in Texas for illegally entering the country but was later released.
Owens said that a further investigation revealed a “positive match on the terrorist watchlist.”
The positive identification of the suspect being involved in terrorism led to a swift mutli-agency effort to arrest the individual in Brooklyn, New York. It is unclear how or when the suspect arrived in New York City.
“Thanks to the coordination of multiple agencies, this potential threat was located, taken into custody, and is now pending removal,” he said.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Border Patrol for comment.