The FBI has arrested 4,260 foreign terrorist organization-related aliens.

Posted by The Dan Bongino Show, Sep 16, 2026Checked Nov 2, 2026

Polygraph verdictCan’t tell

Sources: 7 context
Said: 1 time·
Confidence: 40%

The Dan Bongino ShowSep 16, 2026

Multiple outlets report that FBI Director Kash Patel told the Senate Judiciary Committee the bureau arrested 4,260 people linked to foreign terrorist organizations over 18 months, but these reports only record the claim as made.

What we found

Context. Patel's testimony at the September 2026 Senate Judiciary oversight hearing is reported as stating 'We, this FBI, have arrested 4,260 foreign terrorist organization related affiliates,' up 38% over the prior 18-month period.[5][6]

Context. The 4,260 figure appears in coverage that restates Patel's own claim, which is circular and does not independently corroborate the count.[5][6][7]

Context. The FBI's crime figures rely on bureau-compiled arrest data, and independent verification of year-to-year comparisons can vary by how joint and local-led arrests are counted, so the count cannot be checked from these sources.[7]

Context. The tier1 sources (AP, Reuters, FBI and DOJ releases) cover individual arrests but do not address the aggregate 4,260 figure, and no source contradicts it.[1][2][3][4]