A “boatload” of Iranians was intercepted trying to enter the United States via the Bahamas, raising national security concerns amid escalating tensions following recent U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) expressed serious worry about potential “sleeper cell” attacks by Iranian operatives on U.S. soil, dismissing such threats as anything but conspiracy theories. Although the exact number of individuals on the boat and the timing of their dispatch remain unclear, this incident highlights fears of retaliatory actions linked to the conflict. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a bulletin warning of increased threats in the U.S., including possible cyberattacks, violent acts, and antisemitic hate crimes as the Israel-Iran conflict intensifies.

Critics have pointed to the Biden administration’s border policies, which allowed over 1,200 Iranian nationals to enter the U.S. over four years, as contributing to potential security vulnerabilities. Attorney General Pam Bondi acknowledged ongoing vigilance but did not confirm specifics about Iranian nationals convicted of crimes in the U.S. Earlier this year, fears were realized when an ISIS-inspired attacker killed 14 people in New Orleans, underscoring the real threat posed by radicalized individuals. DHS and U.S. Customs and Border Protection remain on high alert, with the Coast Guard involved in detaining illegal immigrants under new legislation. While concerns about Iranian “sleeper cells” persist, some officials, including Bondi, are cautious about publicly discussing sensitive intelligence details. Overall, the heightened threat environment reflects the complex challenges the U.S. faces as the Middle East conflict spills over into homeland security concerns.