TERRORIST SLEEPER CELLS IN USA   
www.irenebaron.com & Grok        23 August 2025

Terrorist sleeper cells in major U.S. cities have been reported since borders were opened during the Biden administration. Current threats are addressed emphasizing border vulnerabilities where terrorists entered our land. The following information includes media/web sources, government reports, and historical data.   
 

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Definition and Operational Mechanics of Sleeper Cells

A "sleeper cell" refers to covert operatives (spies, terrorists, or sympathizers) embedded in a target country, living unassuming lives (e.g., holding jobs, integrating into communities) until activated for sabotage, assassination, or attacks. They may remain dormant for years, activated via encrypted signals, religious edicts, or self-radicalization. Recruitment often occurs through networks, religious institutions, or online platforms, exploiting emotions like alienation or ideological duty. Detection is challenging due to their low profile, but indicators include unusual travel, financial anomalies, or communications with foreign handlers. It has been reported by popular internet media that over 1,000 sleeper cells in the United States were activated during August 2025.

Historical Context of Sleeper Cells in the U.S.

Post-9/11, the U.S. identified al-Qaeda-linked sleeper cells, with the threat evolving to "inspired" rather than directed attacks. Examples include:

Al-Qaeda Networks: In 2024, three cells were reportedly uncovered in New York, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles, involving individuals planning homeland attacks. A former CIA officer estimated over 1,000 al-Qaeda sleepers in the U.S. as of early 2025, potentially planning mass casualty events.

Iranian Proxies: Iran has a history of sponsoring attacks via groups like Hezbollah (e.g., 1994 Buenos Aires bombing). U.S. officials have thwarted plots, such as a 2024 IRGC-linked assassination attempt on former President Trump using non-professional recruits.

ISIS/ISKP: Lone actors or small cells inspired by ISIS have conducted attacks (e.g., New Orleans and Houston incidents tied to military backgrounds and radical mosques). Open borders under the prior administration are cited as enabling entry of terrorist infilltrators.  Terrorist cells often exploit porous borders, campuses, or online radicalization for preparation.

Current Threat Landscape (as of August 23, 2025)

Recent U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites (Operation Midnight Hammer, June 2025) escalated warnings of retaliatory attacks via sleeper cells based within the United States. The DHS Homeland Threat Assessment 2025 (HTA 2025) highlights Iran as the primary state sponsor of terrorism, with efforts to target U.S. officials and facilitate access via “permissive environments.”

Iranian-Linked Sleeper Cells

Scale and Entry: Over 1,750 Iranian nationals entered illegally from 2021-2024 (20x prior levels), with "thousands" documented and unknown "got-aways." CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott warned in June 2025 that the threat from sleeper cells or sympathizers "has never been higher," though no specific credible threats were identified.

Potential Targets: Major cities (New York, DC, Los Angeles, Chicago) are on alert for attacks on soft targets like malls, churches, hospitals, or events. Rural areas may also be vulnerable due to lower security. Proxies like Hezbollah could self-activate for assassinations or infrastructure sabotage (e.g., electric grid).

Activation Triggers: A fatwa (religious ruling) from Iranian leadership could mobilize cells. Iran threatened U.S. homeland attacks pre-strikes, but post-ceasefire (June 2025), escalation is deemed low-probability by some experts.

Arrests and Evidence: 11 Iranian nationals arrested in June 2025, including a former sniper. FBI surveillance heightened; no confirmed active plots, but "kill kits" (weapons, explosives) allegedly stockpiled in safehouses, mosques, or storage units.

Other Groups (Al-Qaeda, ISIS, Nation of Islam)

Al-Qaeda/ISIS: Over 1,000 estimated sleepers; recent calls for attacks via sleeper cells. 108 arrests in 2025 linked to Nation of Islam (alleged terrorist group) with a "100-year plan" for Sharia in U.S. cities.

Campus Infiltration: Experts warn colleges as "ground zero" for radicalization; depleted proxy funding shifts to online tactics. This is one reason visas of anti-American campus activists have been recently cancelled.

Broader Cells: X posts suggest Russian/Chinese-backed cells (tens of thousands), Venezuelan/Nicaraguan threats via southern border. Potential for 17-city coordinated attacks or "9/11 2.0." Media is reporting an October 2025 date.

Government and Law Enforcement Response

Surveillance/Preparation: FBI/DHS hosted calls with states; 6 critical actions for police (e.g., community engagement, intel sharing). Trump administration revoked visas for campus activists; boosted counter-terrorism focus.

Watchlist Trends: Encounters with terrorism watchlist individuals declined in 2025.

Public Advisories: State Department worldwide caution; Avoid crowds, especially if you live in a large city, Report suspicious activity.

Risk Assessment and Mitigation for Investigations

Probability: High alert but low confirmed activation; Iran's ceasefire reduces immediate risk, but self-activation possible. Border vulnerabilities amplify threats.

Scientific Indicators for Study: Monitor visa overstay data, financial transfers to Iran, social media radicalization (e.g., al-Qaeda calls). Use geospatial analysis for "got-aways" patterns.

Expedient Actions: Cross-reference DHS bulletins with local intel; simulate scenarios (e.g., October 7-style) for preparedness. Arm civilians advised in some X discussions, but emphasize legal reporting.

Primary Significance: Hamas Attacks on Israel (October 7, 2023)

The most prominent event associated with October 7 in the context of terrorism is the Hamas-led attacks on Israel in 2023, often referred to as the October 7 attacks. These attacks marked a significant escalation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, initiating the ongoing Gaza War and a broader Middle Eastern crisis. Below are the key details and their significance:

Overview of the Attacks

Date and Context: On October 7, 2023, during the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah and the last day of Sukkot, Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups launched a coordinated, large-scale assault from the Gaza Strip into southern Israel’s Gaza envelope. This was the first major invasion of Israeli territory since the 1948 Arab-Israeli War

Significance

Historical Impact: The October 7, 2023, attacks are considered the third-deadliest terrorist attack globally since 1970, surpassed only by 9/11 and certain Islamic State attacks. It was the deadliest attack in Israel’s history since 1948.Intelligence Failure: The attack exposed a significant Israeli intelligence failure, likened to the 1973 Yom Kippur War. Shin Bet and IDF ignored warnings of Hamas planning, underestimated their capabilities, and failed to warn Nova festival organizers despite discussions hours prior. Hamas’s counterintelligence limited Israeli data collection.

Strategic and Ideological Context

Hamas’s Motivation: Named “Operation Al-Aqsa Deluge,” the attack referenced the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, signaling resistance to Israeli occupation. Hamas aimed to disrupt Israel’s security, take hostages for leverage, and provoke a prolonged conflict.

Iran’s Role: Iran’s support for Hamas (funding, arms) was widely condemned. The U.S. and UK highlighted Iran’s destabilizing influence via proxies like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis.

Denialism and Disinformation: Conspiracy theories claiming the attacks were staged by Israel or exaggerated emerged on platforms like X, Reddit, and outlets like The Grayzone. These were debunked by extensive documentation (e.g., Hamas body cameras). Hamas’s own report, “Our Narrative,” admitted “faults” but denied targeting civilians, contradicting evidence.

Implications for Counterterrorism

Lessons Learned: The failure to anticipate attacks underscores the need for improved intelligence sharing, real-time surveillance, and increased border security. Hamas’s use of low-tech tactics (AK-47s, grenades) highlights ideological threats over sophisticated weaponry. The open borders of the United States in recent years allowed invasion of thousands of military age men who were traveling with no evidence of children or females among them. Baron stated many Americans believe they were foreign troops moving inland through the politically planned open border. She said many citizens believe such infiltrations are part of the Globalist plans to destroy the United states, the most influential country in the world.Fatalities Planned:  Sleeper terrorists in the United States came here to die. When activated, they will go where many citizens are present, murder as many as possible, & create havoc. When  massive law enforcement personnel arrive, larger secondary blasts are planned to  kill them all.

Global Security: Past attacks have prompted heightened alerts in Western nations, including the U.S., for potential copycat or retaliatory attacks by Hamas-inspired cells.

This information has been presented for readers to become aware of historical & recent events concerning alleged or real terrorist threats. Readers are encouraged to research on their own to learn more about terrorism worldwide. This information was compiled by Irene Baron, Information Specialist, and GROK4-IA.