As tensions with Iran boil over, U.S. federal agencies are on high alert over potential sleeper cell activity, especially following reports of thousands of Iranian nationals crossing the border illegally. With Independence Day approaching, fears of domestic retaliation are escalating.
Sleeper Cells Could Be Waiting to Strike
The U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities—executed in coordination with Israeli forces—have triggered stark warnings from Tehran. Iran has vowed to retaliate, not just overseas, but potentially within the United States. That threat has put federal agencies on edge, particularly over long-standing concerns about Iranian sleeper cells embedded in American cities.
These operatives, often associated with proxy groups like Hezbollah, are believed to live inconspicuously within U.S. communities until activated for surveillance, sabotage, or terrorism. With July 4th approaching, the FBI and DHS have ramped up nationwide surveillance, especially in areas with symbolic significance and dense public gatherings.
Border Security Breakdowns Raise Alarms
One of the most serious developments is the alarming increase in Iranian nationals illegally entering the United States. Former Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott revealed that thousands have already been documented, while even more may have entered undetected. This admission highlights glaring vulnerabilities in the Biden administration’s handling of the southern border.
According to NBC News, Iran delivered a communiqué to U.S. President Trump through an intermediary at the G7 Summit last week in Canada, threatening to activate sleeper-cell terrorist groups inside the United States if it or its nuclear facilities were attacked. The Trump… pic.twitter.com/nvyfMPbDZX
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) June 22, 2025
Former FBI Assistant Director Chris Swecker issued a stark warning:
“We don’t know where those thousand Iranians are—and who knows how many others got across the border.”
Lawmakers are now calling for emergency legislation to tighten vetting protocols and bolster security screenings, especially for migrants from countries hostile to the United States. There is growing bipartisan demand for the restoration of Trump-era border enforcement policies to curb the threat.
U.S. Braces for Possible Retaliatory Attacks
The increased threat is not just theoretical. According to Kash Patel, former chief of staff to the Acting Secretary of Defense, intelligence agencies are currently tracking potential Hezbollah-linked terror cells on U.S. soil. Patel emphasized that Iran has long used proxy networks to plan revenge attacks, and now is a time of maximum vigilance.
‼️‼️🇮🇷🇺🇸 According to NBC News, Iran delivered a written message to Donald Trump last week through an intermediary during the G7 summit held in Canada.
🇮🇷🇺🇸✉️ In the letter, Tehran reportedly threatened that if it or its nuclear facilities are attacked, it would activate… pic.twitter.com/fDF9iHqPPU
— Visioner (@visionergeo) June 23, 2025
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna also confirmed reports of boats carrying Iranian and Russian nationals attempting illegal entry, sparking fears that enemies of the U.S. are exploiting border weaknesses to stage attacks from within.
“If the Biden administration won’t take national security seriously, the American people will pay the price.”
A Warning Shot for Homeland Security
These developments have turned the political spotlight back onto border policy and foreign threat response, prompting a fresh round of debate over how to prevent sleeper cell attacks. With Independence Day celebrations just weeks away, officials fear symbolic, high-profile events could become targets.
As tensions with Iran grow and America’s enemies probe for weaknesses, the stakes for homeland security have never been higher. Intelligence experts and national defense advocates are calling on Congress to act swiftly—before threats from across the border become tragedies at home.
Sources:
Gen. Clark: There are Iranian sleeper cells in U.S. that could ‘self-activate’ in retaliation