Iranian Sleeper Cells in America Don’t Sleep
The nomenclature “Sleeper Cells” is a dangerous misnomer erroneously indicating that embedded terrorists may be groggy and unready for their assignments to decimate American targets. However, they are neither groggy night or day nor unready to inflict terror crimes at a moment’s notice; for they have rehearsed the exact details and chronologies of their crimes again and again for months, if not years, along with other terrorists in their network, including scores of hours of meticulous, precise surveillance of their target sites.
What is a sleeper cell, and why are US officials on high alert?
- US warns sleeper cell threat is rising amid tensions with Iran
- Former FBI agent: Sleeper threats may enter through US borders
- Public urged to stay alert; DHS issues worldwide caution warning
(NewsNation) — As tensions escalate between the United States and Iran, the threat of sleeper cells has “never been higher,” according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, although no specific or credible threats have yet emerged.
In a memo obtained by NewsNation, CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott said, “Thousands of Iranian nationals have been documented entering the United States illegally and countless more were likely in the known and unknown got-a-ways.”
While there is no current actionable intelligence, Scott emphasized the need for vigilance: “Though we have not received any specific credible threats … the threat of sleeper cells or sympathizers acting on their own, or at the behest of Iran has never been higher.”
What are sleeper cells, and how do they operate?
Sleeper cells are spies or terrorists who operate in rival countries and remain inactive until they are essentially ordered to act.
NewsNation national security contributor Tracy Walder explained that while the concept of Iranian sleeper cells in the U.S. is not new, there may have been a recent influx of agents.
“They have sleeper cells here. Quite frankly, they have for decades. … They are just waiting for the right moment,” Walder said.
A recent Homeland Security threat assessment confirms that Iran remains a primary state sponsor of terrorism and continues efforts to target both current and former U.S. officials. That assessment echoes similar warnings issued by the Biden administration in 2024.
How do sleeper cells recruit and train?
Recruitment is typically done through networks, religious institutions or online platforms like social media. Recruiters typically appeal to emotions, such as alienation, injustice or religious duty.
Retired FBI Supervisory Special Agent James Gagliano underscored the long-term nature of the threat, referencing the 2020 U.S. airstrike that killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani.
“Iran has basically been on a warpath for us,” he said. “The sleeper cells are a real problem. … It’s people leaking across … from Iran, China, North Korea, Russia that might stay dormant until they’re either inspired or, in this case, with the supreme leader in Iran directed to cause some type of mayhem or harm.”
SUMMARY OF THE THREAT TO THE UNITED STATES
The ongoing Iran conflict is causing a heightened threat environment in the United States. Low-level cyber attacks against US networks by pro-Iranian hacktivists are likely, and cyber actors affiliated with the Iranian government may conduct attacks against US networks. Iran also has a long-standing commitment to target US Government officials it views as responsible for the death of an Iranian military commander killed in January 2020. The likelihood of violent extremists in the Homeland independently mobilizing to violence in response to the conflict would likely increase if Iranian leadership issued a religious ruling calling for retaliatory violence against targets in the Homeland.
Multiple recent Homeland terrorist attacks have been motivated by anti-Semitic or anti-Israel sentiment, and the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict could contribute to US-based individuals plotting additional attacks.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- The Iranian Government has publicly condemned direct US involvement in the conflict.
- Both hacktivists and Iranian government-affiliated actors routinely target poorly secured US networks and Internet-connected devices for disruptive cyber attacks.
- US law enforcement has disrupted multiple potentially lethal Iranian-backed plots in the United States since 2020. During this timeframe, the Iranian government has also unsuccessfully targeted critics of its regime who are based in the Homeland for lethal attack.
- If Iranian leadership were to issue a religious ruling calling for retaliatory violence against specific targets in the Homeland, it could increase the likelihood that a supporter of the Iranian regime is inspired to commit an act of violence in the Homeland.
- Since the start of the conflict, we have seen media releases by foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs)—including HAMAS, Lebanese Hizballah, the Houthis, and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, among others—some of which have called for violence against US assets and personnel in the Middle East because of Israel’s attack.
- The conflict could also motivate violent extremists and hate crime perpetrators seeking to attack targets perceived to be Jewish, pro-Israel, or linked to the US government or military in the Homeland.
RESOURCES TO STAY SAFE
Report Potential Threats
- Listen to local authorities and public safety officials.
- DHS’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) offers cybersecurity best practices for securing US networks.
- The Nationwide Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR) Initiative (NSI) is a collaborative effort by DHS, the FBI, and law enforcement partners to identify and report threats of terrorism and other related criminal activity.
- If You See Something, Say Something® Report suspicious activity and threats of violence, including online threats, to local law enforcement, FBI Field Offices, or your local Fusion Center. Call 911 in case of emergency.
If You See Something, Say Something® Report suspicious activity to local law enforcement or call 911.
