A recent incident in South Carolina has sparked renewed conversations about immigration enforcement in the United States. A truck driver, originally from Jordan, caused traffic chaos on a busy highway by claiming to have a bomb in his vehicle. This event has raised concerns about border control, public safety, and the enforcement of immigration laws.
Details of the Incident
On January 2, Ahmad Jamal Khamees Alhendi, a 28-year-old truck driver, was stopped by South Carolina police for not having a license plate on his truck. During the stop, Alhendi allegedly told the officer that there was a bomb in his 18-wheeler. This led to the shutdown of Interstate 85 for several hours while law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), investigated the threat.
After an extensive search, no explosives were found, and the highway was reopened. However, the scare caused significant delays and alarm among residents, particularly as it followed another violent truck-related incident elsewhere in the U.S.
Alhendi’s Immigration Status
Investigations revealed that Alhendi entered the United States legally in 2018 but later violated the terms of his stay, making him an illegal immigrant. He worked as a contractor for an Illinois-based trucking company, Globe Transportation, which confirmed that he had valid work authorization when hired.
Alhendi is now in custody, facing charges for issuing a false bomb threat, breach of peace, and driving without a license plate. He also has an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer, meaning he could be deported due to his immigration status.
Political and Public Reactions
The incident has drawn sharp reactions from political leaders in South Carolina. State Senator Tom Fernandez criticized the lack of enforcement of immigration laws, stating, “This highlights the urgent need for stricter immigration oversight.” Local Republican Party chair Drew McKissick also blamed what he called a lax approach under President Joe Biden’s administration, expressing optimism about stronger enforcement under Donald Trump.
Trump Administration’s Response
The incident occurred just as former President Donald Trump announced a series of measures to tighten immigration control. His administration has begun mass deportation operations, prioritizing individuals deemed a threat to public safety. Tom Homan, Trump’s newly appointed “border czar,” confirmed that ICE teams are actively targeting such individuals.
Other initiatives include resuming construction of the border wall, deploying troops to the southern border, and disabling tools like the CBP One app that allowed migrants to enter the U.S.
Impact on Public Safety
Residents in South Carolina were particularly shaken, given the timing of the incident. It occurred just a day after a truck plowed into a crowd of New Year’s revelers in New Orleans, killing 14 people. Local authorities stressed the importance of ensuring community safety through stricter immigration controls.
Ongoing Investigation
Alhendi remains in custody and is scheduled for a hearing in 2026 before an immigration judge. Authorities continue to investigate his actions and motives for the false bomb threat.
Conclusion
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of balancing legal immigration and public safety. While incidents like these are rare, they highlight the need for strong enforcement of immigration laws to protect communities.
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