WASHINGTON—Today, Heritage Foundation national security experts paid tributes to the victims of the September 11, 2001, attacks and urged the Biden-Harris administration to implement enhanced national security measures.

Robert Greenway, Director of The Heritage Foundation’s Allison Center for National Security, stated:

“On this day, twenty-three years ago, the world witnessed the deadliest terrorist attack in U.S. history when al-Qaeda terrorists massacred 2,977 Americans. We will never forget the men, women, and children whose lives were tragically taken in acts of unspeakable evil.

“We also remember those first responders and our brave military who sacrificed their lives in the aftermath of the horrific attacks and their loved ones mourning so great a loss.

“Today, it’s clear that we’re at greater risk at home and abroad. Yet, the threats we face have been appeased, ignored, resourced, and allowed unprecedented access to our homeland via an open border under the Biden-Harris administration.

“Without a return to global deterrence and a secure border—which Trump administration-era policies produced—Americans’ security and prosperity will continue to be threatened.” 

Lora Ries, Director of The Heritage Foundation’s Border Security and Immigration Center, added:

“Today and every day, we honor and remember the nearly 3,000 lives taken on September 11, 2001. I am reminded of the resilience and grit of the American spirit on that day, which can withstand tragedy. 

“But now, twenty-three years later, the threat placed on Americans' backs is greater than ever because of disastrous border policies implemented by the Biden-Harris administration and their unwillingness to enforce existing laws.

“This administration has all but demolished America’s border security while shielding millions of illegal aliens from deportation. At least 12 million inadmissible aliens with virtually unknown backgrounds have entered our country, with thousands more arriving from special interest countries or listed on terror watchlists.

“It is clear this administration learned nothing from this tragic day to prevent future attacks on Americans. A day like today reminds us of why we must take these threats seriously. Americans shouldn’t have to wait for a terror attack to occur before the administration does its proper job. Congress should fund and direct ICE to find and detain the terror threats already here."