Sen. Tom Cotton Urges DHS Audit of Biden-Era Visas from High-Risk Countries after Hamas-Linked Arrest

Senator Tom Cotton is demanding a comprehensive review by the Department of Homeland Security of all visas issued since 2021 to applicants from high-risk countries, particularly Palestinians processed through Egypt, following the indictment of Mahmoud Amin Ya'qub al-Muhtadi. Al-Muhtadi, a Gazan national arrested in Louisiana, is accused of participating in the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led massacre in Israel and entering the U.S. on a fraudulent visa approved under President Biden's administration. Cotton criticized the visa vetting process for overlooking clear evidence of terrorist affiliations, including social media posts and digital footprints linking al-Muhtadi to Hamas and paramilitary training. He warned that thousands of visa applications have been inadequately reviewed, potentially allowing other terrorists to enter the United States. Cotton's letter calls for mandatory real-time FBI watchlist checks and enhanced monitoring of social media for visa applicants from high-risk areas to prevent future security breaches. The senator framed the issue as a direct consequence of Biden's immigration policies, calling for urgent action to protect American safety.