Kash Patel on China Espionage, Illegal Migration, and Counterintelligence Threats

China's Espionage and Infiltration Tactics

• 🇨🇳 China is identified as one of the two most dangerous nation-states to the U.S. homeland and interests, alongside Russia.
• ✈️ There has been an alarming increase in illegal migration from China, with a 527% rise in Chinese nationals crossing the southern border.
• 🕵️ Even a tiny fraction of these migrants being asset agents loyal to Beijing could wreak havoc.
• 🏢 Counterintelligence threats are penetrating all levels of government, with officials willing to betray the country.

Shifting Migration Patterns and Adversary Adaptation

• 🗺️ Adversaries like China and Russia are utilizing the northern border to shift resources and affiliations, pouring in known or suspected terrorists.
• 🚢 This shift is partly due to the U.S. establishing a significant effort to stop terrorists at the southern border.
• 🤝 Adversaries are using partners to move illicit fentanyl precursors and humans into the country in a similar fashion.

Specific Cases of Espionage and Betrayal

• 🚨 A Chinese national was arrested for allegedly flying a drone and taking pictures over Vandenberg Air Force Base.
• 💰 A former senior aide in the New York governor's office, Linda Sun, and her husband were indicted for money laundering and acting as foreign agents for the People's Republic of China.
• 🚫 Ms. Sun used her position to block Taiwanese representatives from meeting New York State officials, while PRC officials were seemingly welcomed.
• 🇰🇷 Sumi Terry, a former national security official, is mentioned for covertly spying on Korea while working with think tanks and receiving luxury gifts.

Severity of Counterintelligence Threats

• 📈 The enemy is doubling down and tripling down on their efforts to infiltrate and penetrate all sectors of government.
• 🎯 There is no sector in government that adversaries will not attempt to access and turn people against the nation.
• ⚠️ These threats are considered a national security threat of our time, on par with terrorism and the fentanyl threat.
• 🤝 The FBI is committed to providing classified briefings on the severity and FBI processes related to counterintelligence threats involving elected and/or appointed officials.