
Bomb Hoax on I-85 Sparks Immigration Debate in South Carolina: President Trump Steps up Deportations
By James Seidel | CC News Network
GREENVILLE, S.C. — A January 2 bomb hoax on Interstate 85 in Greenville has reignited debate over immigration enforcement in South Carolina and nationwide. The incident involved Ahmad Jamal Khamees Alhendi, a 28-year-old Jordanian national, who caused hours of chaos after claiming to have an explosive device in his 18-wheeler. The disruption shut down all six lanes of the interstate, led to bumper-to-bumper traffic, and sparked a rapid response from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, and the FBI.
According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS), Alhendi was stopped by state transport police for a missing license plate. During the stop, he allegedly told officers there was a bomb in his truck. The highway remained closed for nearly five hours while investigators cleared the scene, ultimately finding no explosives. Alhendi was arrested and later issued an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer after it was revealed he had overstayed his legal entry into the U.S.
Alhendi legally entered the U.S. in 2018 in Minnesota but failed to comply with the terms of his stay, making him an undocumented immigrant. He was a contractor for Globe Transportation, based in Illinois, and reportedly had valid work authorization when hired. Globe Transportation stated that Alhendi owned the truck and had no prior issues with the company.
🚨 #BREAKING: I-85 in Greenville County, SC is closed in both directions due to a B0MB THREAT involving an 18-wheeler, per @IntelPointAlert
Police are asking citizens to avoid the area for the coming hours. pic.twitter.com/athrkAbo6m
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) January 2, 2025
Political Fallout in South Carolina
The bomb hoax has drawn sharp criticism from South Carolina Republican leaders, who blame the incident on what they call lax immigration policies under former President Joe Biden. State Sen. Tom Fernandez said the event underscores the need for stricter immigration enforcement.
“This incident highlights the critical need for stronger enforcement of immigration laws and better oversight of those who overstay their legal entry into the U.S.,” Fernandez said. “South Carolinians deserve to feel safe in their communities, and incidents like this only reinforce the urgency of securing our borders and ensuring that immigration laws are properly enforced.”
South Carolina Republican Party Chair Drew McKissick echoed those sentiments, linking the issue to national policy changes. “This is a classic case of the impact Joe Biden and the Democrats had on our country,” McKissick said. “Thankfully, that all ends in just a few days. With President Trump back in the White House, the rule of law and our safety will be a priority again.”
BREAKING: Police have shutdown I-85 in Greenville County, South Carolina due to a bomb threat involving this 18-wheeler. pic.twitter.com/BUmY6LXSnK
— Dapper Detective (@Dapper_Det) January 2, 2025
Trump Administration Steps Up Deportations
In the wake of the bomb hoax incident, President Donald Trump announced a renewed focus on deportations, declaring the southern border a national emergency and resuming construction of the border wall. His new “border czar,” Tom Homan, confirmed that ICE operations targeting public safety threats have already begun.
“ICE teams are out there as of today,” Homan said on Fox News. “We gave them direction to prioritize public safety threats that we’re looking for.”
Alhendi, who was charged with conveying false information about a bomb threat, breach of peace of a high and aggravated nature, and lacking a vehicle license, remains in custody at the Greenville County Detention Center. Although he was initially granted bond, it was revoked after the South Carolina Solicitor’s Office learned of his immigration status and pending ICE detainer.
The SCDPS is leading the investigation into the incident.
The bomb hoax on I-85 is the latest flashpoint in South Carolina’s growing concerns over immigration policy, with state leaders calling for swift action to prevent similar disruptions and protect public safety.
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