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Amid rising tensions and political scrutiny, government agencies are facing criticism over how an Afghan national, now implicated in plotting an Election Day terror attack, gained entry into the United States. Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, who allegedly aimed to support ISIS and planned an attack, was arrested last week. His apprehension has triggered a flurry of questions and accusations about the vetting process and potential security lapses.

Tawhedi faces charges of conspiring to support ISIS and obtaining a firearm for a terror-related offense. According to court documents, he liquidated his family's assets to finance his plans, which included purchasing rifles and buying one-way tickets to return his wife and child to Afghanistan. He entered the U.S. in September 2021 during the large-scale evacuation following the Taliban's resurgence in Afghanistan. Of the over 97,000 Afghan evacuees admitted to the U.S., about 77,000 were granted entry through humanitarian parole.

Initially believed to have entered on a special immigrant visa (SIV), it was later confirmed that Tawhedi came through humanitarian parole and subsequently applied for SIV status. Parole involves less stringent vetting compared to the SIV process. DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas initially evaded questions during a White House briefing but a senior administration official revealed that Tawhedi had been screened three times: once for working security for the CIA in Afghanistan, then for humanitarian parole, and lastly for SIV status, which has not yet been finalized.

Authorities believe that Tawhedi was radicalized after entering the U.S. and found no signs to prevent his entry initially. However, the ongoing debate on when exactly he was radicalized has led to a blame game among government entities. Rep. Michael Waltz, R-Fla., criticized the vetting process, indicating that it failed to adequately screen individuals. Secretary Mayorkas acknowledged that the vetting was a point-in-time process and appropriate actions were taken once subsequent information was obtained.

The arrest has created a stir among lawmakers, especially in Oklahoma, where Tawhedi was apprehended. Two Oklahoma senators have already received briefings from the DOJ, although Rep. Stephanie Bice has expressed frustrations over the lack of information. Both senators voiced concerns about the potential for similar threats. Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., warned that this incident could signify a broader issue, with potentially multiple individuals in similar situations. Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., echoed these concerns, highlighting the dangers posed by open borders.

The incident underscores the challenges and complexities in vetting evacuees and identifying potential security threats, as government agencies continue to grapple with ensuring national safety while managing humanitarian obligations.