No signs of Qaeda at U.S.-Mexican border: official

[Ian David]

By Randall Mikkelsen

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Authorities have seen no signs of al Qaeda trying to insert operatives into the United States from Mexico, but the militant group has considered doing so, a U.S. intelligence official said on Friday.

The comments by Charles Allen, Homeland Security Undersecretary for Intelligence and Analysis, could undercut one argument by advocates in and out of government for get-tough tactics to fight illegal crossings at the southern U.S. border -- that they are needed to fight terrorism.

In contrast, Islamist militants have entered the United States by land from Canada or been caught trying.

"We know of no trained al Qaeda operatives who have crossed over our southern border," Allen told reporters.

"We do know that going back to 2004, the southern border is something that al Qaeda's central leadership has looked at. But we know of no specifics of where al Qaeda has really endeavored to cross our borders in the south," he said.

More:
http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSN1115689520080411?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews

[BunkerHill24]

1. Oh no! Lou Dobbs wouldn't be happy with this...n/t

[Mnemosyne]

2. Silly, it's because they usually arrive aboard AF1. Why bother with Mexico?

:hi: