A suspected Jordanian terrorist has been apprehended near Lynden, Washington, a small town 75 km southeast of Vancouver.Mohammed Hasan Abdellatif Albana, 41, was believed to have entered the United States illegally via Canada.According to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Albana was taken into custody on November 15 after he "entered the US without being admitted, inspected or paroled by a US immigration official, identifying Albana as a known or suspected terrorist."He was promptly returned to his home country, where he has "ties to terrorism.""ERO Seattle is committed to the removal of noncitizens who pose a risk to the national security of the US," ERO Seattle Field Office Director Drew H. Bostock said. "Our officers perform these removals dutifully as a part of a federal law enforcement effort to protect Pacific Northwest Communities."The news comes amid tensions between the United States and Canada related to the border, with president-elect Donald Trump threatening tariffs of 25% on Canadian goods unless more is done to prevent the flow of illegal immigrants and illicit substances. Since then, federal and provincial leaders have been working together to find a solution that will benefit both countries.While the United States' southern border has long been the main site of illegal and irregular crossings, in recent years more attention has been drawn to the north.Recently-appointed US border czar Tom Homan, for example, referred to the northern border as a "huge national security issue" earlier this month. He drew attention to the fact that many "special interest aliens" such as those from countries known for ties to terror, enter the US via Canada "because they know [there are] ... fewer officers" patrolling the span.
