The recent deportation initiatives under former President Donald Trump have reignited conversations about immigration enforcement. Local Republican leaders in South Carolina have welcomed the move, citing a recent incident involving an immigrant truck driver that caused chaos on Interstate 85.
The driver, Ahmad Jamal Khamees Alhendi, 28, allegedly claimed to have a bomb in his truck during a routine traffic stop. This prompted authorities to shut down all six lanes of the highway for hours. The incident has become a rallying point for stricter immigration policies, with many pointing to the dangers of lax enforcement.
The Incident That Shut Down I-85
On January 2, 2026, Alhendi was stopped by South Carolina Department of Public Safety officers for a missing license plate on his 18-wheeler. During the stop, he told officers there was an explosive device in the vehicle.
The claim led to a massive response from law enforcement, including the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), and the FBI. Traffic was brought to a standstill for nearly five hours as authorities cleared the truck and determined there was no bomb.
Alhendi was arrested and charged with making a false bomb threat, breach of peace, and operating a vehicle without a license plate. He is currently in custody, with an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer issued against him.
Immigration Status Raises Concerns
Alhendi, a Jordanian national, legally entered the U.S. in 2018 through St. Paul, Minnesota. However, he failed to comply with the terms of his legal entry and is now classified as an undocumented immigrant.
State Senator Tom Fernandez of South Carolina criticized the situation, stating, “This incident highlights the critical need for stronger enforcement of immigration laws. A person who entered legally but failed to comply should not be operating freely within our country.”
Drew McKissick, chair of the South Carolina Republican Party, echoed these sentiments, blaming what he called the Biden administration’s “lax immigration policies” for incidents like this.
Tensions Rise Amid National Security Concerns
The bomb hoax occurred just a day after a tragic incident on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, where a truck driver plowed into a crowd, killing 14 and injuring dozens. The timing heightened public fears, especially as both incidents involved immigrants.
In May 2025, another case involving Jordanian nationals unlawfully entering Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia added to growing concerns. These events have fueled debates about immigration enforcement and national security.
Trump’s New Deportation Initiatives
Following his return to the presidency, Donald Trump has prioritized immigration enforcement. On January 8, he declared the southern border a national emergency and introduced several executive orders to tighten border security.
These measures include resuming border wall construction, disabling the CBP One app used to parole migrants, and deploying troops to the border. Trump’s new “border czar,” Tom Homan, announced that ICE teams had begun targeted deportation operations focusing on public safety threats.
“ICE teams are out there as of today,” Homan said. “We’ve prioritized public safety threats and are actively working to remove those who pose dangers to our communities.”
Legal Proceedings and Public Reaction
Alhendi appeared in court on January 3, 2026, and was initially granted a surety bond of $20,238. However, this decision was reversed after the South Carolina Solicitor’s Office highlighted his immigration status and ICE detainer.
Alhendi’s next hearing is scheduled for August 6, 2026, before an immigration judge. Until then, he remains in custody at the Greenville County Detention Center.
Local residents and officials have expressed frustration over the incident, emphasizing the need for stronger immigration oversight.
Broader Implications
The South Carolina bomb hoax underscores the complexities of immigration policy and its intersection with public safety. For many, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of securing borders and enforcing immigration laws.
As the Trump administration ramps up deportation efforts, the case has become a focal point for those advocating for stricter immigration measures. State officials, law enforcement, and community leaders continue to debate the best path forward to ensure both security and fairness.
Disclaimer – Our editorial team has thoroughly fact-checked this article to ensure its accuracy and eliminate any potential misinformation. We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity in our content.
About The Author
More Stories
Trump Administration Begins Deportations Following South Carolina Incident
Trump Administration Begins Deportations Following South Carolina Incident
Trump Administration Begins Deportations Following South Carolina Incident