Debbie Schlussel: FBI Believed Egyptian "Students" Were Part of Terror Plot
It's a relief that 10 out of 11 missing Egyptian "students" were found by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Not a relief that they so easily skipped out on their educational visas and were found in various locations with terror ties (including this mysterious pizza shop with previous terror ties).
Of note, though, is that while the FBI's Richard Kolko claimed there was no threat and no reason to be alarmed by the missing students, the fact that the FBI was involved says it all.
Normally, missing aliens are strictly the domain of ICE. But when a case involves terrorism, the FBI is the lead agency. That's pursuant to both a Presidential Executive Order and a Memorandum of Understanding signed by then-Homeland Security Chief Tom Ridge and then-Attorney General John Ashcroft.
The fact the FBI was and remains involved is a red flag. This is a terrorism investigation. And there is reason to be alarmed.
Posted by Debbie on August 13, 2006 06:03 PM to Debbie Schlussel