Former Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson is raising alarms after the recent arrest of 16 Iranian nationals in the United States over just 48 hours. Johnson, who served under President Obama, shared his concerns during an appearance on "Fox & Friends." He emphasized the potential implications of these arrests, especially in light of rising tensions related to Iran’s actions in the Middle East.
In Canada, officials are also on high alert. The country’s Public Safety Department is closely monitoring the situation, stating that the national terrorism threat level is currently at "medium." This means that a violent extremist attack is considered a realistic possibility. Noémie Allard, a spokesperson for Public Safety Canada, confirmed that law enforcement agencies are prepared for any developments.
Irwin Cotler, a former Canadian justice minister and a prominent human rights advocate, has expressed serious concerns about the Iranian regime’s increasing oppression of its critics. He warned that the regime could extend its reach beyond Iran, potentially targeting opponents abroad. Cotler has been under police protection since 2023 due to threats against him from Iran.
The situation escalated recently when three political prisoners were executed in Iran, accused of espionage for Israel. This follows a broader crackdown during the recent conflict with Israel, where hundreds of Iranians were arrested for alleged collaboration with Israeli forces.
Cotler is advocating for stronger measures from the Canadian government to address threats from Iran and other countries. He believes that sleeper cells may be operating in Canada, targeting individuals who oppose the Iranian regime. He urged the Canadian government to set up an independent agency to tackle these external threats.
Furthermore, Cotler highlighted the need for Canada to follow the United States’ lead in prosecuting those who collaborate with Iranian sleeper cells. He has long pushed for the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to be designated as a terrorist organization, a classification that Canada officially adopted in 2024.
Recent developments also indicate that the Canada Border Services Agency has identified 20 individuals considered inadmissible due to their ties to the Iranian government. Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing foreign interference and maintaining pressure on the Iranian regime.
As tensions continue to rise, both the U.S. and Canada are taking steps to safeguard their citizens against potential threats linked to the Iranian regime. The situation remains fluid, and officials are urging vigilance as they monitor developments closely.