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The U.S. on High Alert for Terrorist Attacks from “Sleeper Cells”

Attorney General Pam Bondi, stated: “More than 1,000 Iranian nationals have entered the country, and we are carefully tracking them.” (Photo: Oklahoma Voice)

By Middle Land Staff

June 25, 2025
3:46 pm
Los Angeles, CA

The U.S. government is on high alert for potential terrorist attacks linked to Iranian “sleeper cells” operating within the country. Tensions between the U.S. and Iran have escalated following American airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, and authorities are increasingly concerned that covert sleeper cells could be activated in retaliation. Attorney General Pam Bondi addressed these concerns during a recent House Appropriations Committee meeting, confirming that the Department of Justice (DOJ) is actively monitoring the situation. “The FBI is on high alert,” Bondi stated, emphasizing the rising threat posed by sleeper cells that could be lying dormant in the U.S. “Over 1,000 Iranian nationals have entered the country, and we are tracking them carefully.” Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) pressed Bondi on the number of Iranian nationals potentially entering the U.S.

Attorney General Pam Bondi addressed these concerns during a recent House Appropriations Committee meeting, confirming that the Department of Justice (DOJ) is actively monitoring the situation. “The FBI is on high alert,” Bondi stated, emphasizing the rising threat posed by sleeper cells that could be lying dormant in the U.S. “Over 1,000 Iranian nationals have entered the country, and we are tracking them carefully.”

Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) pressed Bondi on the number of Iranian nationals potentially entering the U.S. illegally, noting that many could have crossed through the southern border under the Biden administration. Reports suggest that more than 1,500 Iranian migrants have been apprehended at the U.S.-Mexico border, with nearly half of them released into the U.S. as they await their immigration hearings.

Bondi assured the committee that despite a budget reduction, the DOJ is committed to securing the nation’s safety. She urged Congress to support the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which is currently awaiting Senate approval. “We will do more with less,” she said, stressing the need for continued federal resources to prevent any security threats from materializing.

The Threat of Iranian Sleeper Cells

The concept of “sleeper cells” refers to sleeper agents—individuals or groups who remain inactive until ordered to execute covert operations. Experts warn that in light of the heightened tensions with Iran, these cells could be activated to carry out terrorist activities on U.S. soil.

Barak Seener, a senior fellow at the Henry Jackson Society, warned that the situation could escalate quickly. “If the Iranian regime feels its existence is under threat, it may retaliate, possibly by activating sleeper cells in the U.S.,” Seener explained. “The intelligence community is working tirelessly to identify and neutralize any potential threats before they can act.”

The risk of sleeper cells infiltrating the U.S. is not new. In 2024, U.S. prosecutors charged an Iranian operative with attempting to assassinate former President Trump, with alleged assistance from U.S.-based individuals. Iran is known to support various proxy groups, including Hezbollah and Islamic Jihad, which could be used to carry out attacks on U.S. soil.

Escalating Tensions Between Israel and Iran

As the conflict between Israel and Iran intensifies, so does the risk of violence on American soil. Experts say that the U.S. could become a target as Iran seeks retribution for its military setbacks. The Department of Homeland Security has already warned that Iran remains a significant sponsor of terrorism, with the potential to target U.S. officials, citizens, or military assets.

Intelligence officials are particularly concerned that Iranian sleeper cells could be activated in response to any further military actions against Iran. According to a recent DHS threat assessment, Iran may attempt to carry out attacks either directly or through its proxy groups.

Former President Trump’s national security memo also raised alarms about the possibility of Iranian sleeper cells being embedded in the U.S. by Iran’s proxies. In response, U.S. law enforcement agencies are ramping up efforts to identify potential sleeper agents and prevent attacks before they can occur.

The Growing Threat of International Cartels

At a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, FBI officials discussed the increased risks posed by international criminal cartels operating in the U.S. These groups are reportedly using underground tunnels and other means to smuggle people, including potential sleeper agents, across the U.S.-Mexico border.

As these threats intensify, the U.S. is bracing for more attacks, both domestically and abroad. Authorities continue to focus on monitoring sleeper cells and other potential security risks, hoping to avert a larger-scale incident in the midst of this volatile geopolitical climate.