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American counterterrorism agencies are quietly monitoring suspected sleeper cells on U.S. soil in the wake of joint U.S.–Israel strikes on Iran, stepping up surveillance amid heightened fears of possible retaliation from Iran-linked operatives or sympathizers.

Federal and local law enforcement have also boosted on-the-ground security in major U.S. cities as part of a precautionary posture, even though no specific, credible threats have been publicly identified.

The move comes on the heels of a Saturday morning operation, dubbed Operation Epic Fury, that resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior Iranian officials in a coordinated U.S.–Israeli military campaign.

US, ISRAEL STRIKE IRAN: AYATOLLAH KHAMENEI, 40 TOP IRANIAN LEADERS KILLED

Security experts warn that the fallout could extend beyond the Middle East.

"If ever there's going to be a Hezbollah cell or a Hamas cell act in the United States in a violent way, it's now," Chris Swecker, a former assistant FBI director, told Fox News.

"Both organizations are Iranian-backed all the way. Both organizations have had a presence in the United States since the 1980s," he added.

Swecker said U.S. authorities have long been aware of domestic networks and sympathizers.

"We know that they have cells here. We also know that there are lone sympathizers, many of whom have come out in these protest groups," he added.

TOMAHAWKS SPEARHEADED US STRIKE ON IRAN — WHY PRESIDENTS REACH FOR THIS MISSILE FIRST

He also warned that border security vulnerabilities may have compounded the risk.

"We just come off four years of open borders, and I have said before that that was an open door for terrorists to terrorist cells and terror sympathizers to infiltrate. Many were already here, but it's impossible that they would not infiltrate into these particular groups and sort of act as catalysts, as enablers."

Against that backdrop, the FBI is moving to reinforce its domestic security posture.

FBI Director Kash Patel said Saturday that counterterrorism and intelligence teams are now on high alert amid ongoing U.S. actions involving Iran.

"Last night, I instructed our Counterterrorism and intelligence teams to be on high alert and mobilize all assisting security assets needed," Patel wrote on X.

Patel added that while the U.S. military is handling force protection overseas, the FBI "remains at the forefront of deterring attacks here at home" and will continue working around the clock to protect Americans.

FBI RAISES COUNTERTERROR TEAMS TO HIGH ALERT AMID IRAN TENSIONS

Jason Pack, a retired FBI supervisory special agent and Fox News contributor, said heightened monitoring is routine when U.S. military operations intersect with adversaries that have historically responded through indirect or unconventional means.

"The intelligence and counterterrorism communities work on this kind of scenario continuously, long before any conflict begins," Pack said. "When the United States commits to a joint military campaign with Israel, the domestic threat environment doesn’t simply remain static. It could shift, potentially significantly."

He noted that adversarial actors — including Hezbollah, Hamas’s external networks and Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps proxies — have historically demonstrated both intent and, in some cases, the capability to retaliate against U.S. military actions.

Meanwhile, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said she is "in direct coordination with our federal intelligence and law enforcement partners as we continue to closely monitor and thwart any potential threats to the homeland."

The heightened alert comes as parts of the Department of Homeland Security face a partial shutdown, raising additional questions about resources and operational strain at a time when federal agencies are on elevated watch.

While no specific plots have been identified, officials acknowledge the threat environment could shift quickly as tensions overseas evolve and whether that escalation reaches American soil remains to be seen.

Fox News Digital's Michael Dorgan and Kelley Kramer contributed to this report. 

Democratic Reps. Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib, both progressive "Squad" members, lashed out at President Donald Trump on Saturday in response to his decision to strike Iran. 

"Trump has launched an illegal regime change war," Omar posted on X. "As someone who has survived the horrors of war, I know military strikes will not make us safer; they will inflame tensions and push the region further into chaos."

Omar, who fled Somalia as a refugee as a young child, added, "When we abandon diplomacy, we choose destruction."

Tlaib reacted on social media to a clip of Trump acknowledging that there may be American casualties in this attack. 

FETTERMAN PRAISES OPERATION EPIC FURY: TRUMP IS 'WILLING TO DO WHAT'S RIGHT'

"He doesn't care about our loved ones in the military," Tlaib posted on X in a message that was reposted by Omar. "He doesn't care about the fact that Americans don't want this war."

"He doesn't care about the Iranian people. He is corrupted. Don't fall for the lies."

Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York also slammed President Donald Trump for abandoning diplomacy in favor of launching an attack against Iran, predicting the outcome will be "catastrophic."

"The American people are once again dragged into a war they did not want by a president who does not care about the long-term consequences of his actions. This war is unlawful. It is unnecessary. And it will be catastrophic," Ocasio-Cortez said.

"Just this week, Iran and the United States were negotiating key measures that could have staved off war. The President walked away from these discussions and chose war instead. President Trump flippantly acknowledged the possibility of American casualties, stating ‘that often happens in war,’" she continued. "Mr. President: this was not an inevitability. This is a deliberate choice of aggression when diplomacy and security were within reach. Stop lying to the American people.

Democratic Rep. Greg Casar, another progressive House member associated with the informal "Squad" group, called Trump's actions an "illegal war" in a post on X.

"Yet again, an American president is sending other people’s kids to risk their lives in a senseless regime change war," Casar said. 

The U.S. and Israel launched the joint attack just after 9 a.m. local time in what the Pentagon has dubbed "Operation Epic Fury."

IF KHAMENEI FALLS, WHO TAKES IRAN? STRIKES WILL EXPOSE POWER VACUUM — AND THE IRGC’S GRIP

In video remarks posted to Truth Social, Trump addressed the Iranian people directly and told them to "seize control of [their] destiny."

"The hour of your freedom is at hand. Stay sheltered. Don't leave your home. It's very dangerous outside. Bombs will be dropping everywhere. When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take," Trump said. "This will be, probably, your only chance for generations. For many years, you have asked for America's help, but you never got it. No President was willing to do what I am willing to do tonight. Now you have a President who is giving you what you want."

While Trump focused some of his message on empowering the people of Iran, he stated that the intent of the operation is to "defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime," which he described as "vicious" and "very hard, terrible people."

Trump also said that while there may be American casualties as a result, the mission is "noble" as it is aimed at stopping a "wicked, radical dictatorship" from threatening American national security interests and destabilizing the Middle East.

Fox News Digital's Michael Sinkewicz and Alex Nitzberg contributed to this report

Tough jobs — and even everyday outdoor tasks — call for boots that are waterproof, steel-toe and slip-resistant, with wide-width options for a better fit. Brands like Timberland, Red Wing, Carhartt and Wolverine offer durable styles built for support, safety and solid performance on the job. Here are some of the best pairs worth adding to your rotation.

If you work outside, these waterproof boots stand up to rain, slush and long days in unpredictable weather.

Red Wing’s Traction Tred Lite boots are U.S.-made and built for tough jobs. A lighter take on the brand’s classic style, they deliver comfort for long days on your feet. The waterproof leather upper, steel toe and grippy outsole protect your feet on demanding job sites.

READ MORE: Comfortable sneakers worth buying under $60, $100 and $200

Carhartt’s Millbrook boots feature a lower-profile design that’s tough enough for construction sites yet polished enough for the office. While they have a soft toe, they meet slip-resistance and electrical hazard safety standards. They even have a FastDry lining that helps keep your feet dry in wet conditions.

Wolverine’s Alpha boots live up to their name, with shock-absorbing soles and extra padding for all-day comfort. Made from full-grain leather and complete with a protective toe and heel cap, they keep water out and keep your feet dry. 

If you’re outside in the winter a lot, the L.L.Bean Storm Chaser boots can handle the elements. They're extremely lightweight and feel like sneakers while providing waterproof protection and solid traction. The rubber outsole keeps you stable, but is flexible enough to move with your foot.

Built for farmers, Muck Boots are 100% waterproof. The rubber overlay sheds mud, while the top lining ensures your pants stay dry. Despite the intense protection, the boots remain lightweight and breathable from sunup to sundown. The boots also stretch to comfortably fit wider calves. 

These work boots protect your feet when you’re working around heavy equipment.

Timberland’s PRO series takes the classic boot to the next level. Added features like a steel toe and extra insulation prevent your feet from getting cold and protect you at any job site. Waterproof leather uppers and rubber outsoles make these a long-lasting choice, while electrical hazard protection and anti-fatigue tech elevate overall performance. 

The Timberland PRO Boondock boots are specifically built for demanding job sites. They feature waterproof construction, rubber toe protection and anti-fatigue technology to absorb shock on hard surfaces. There's even a lug outsole for steady traction.

Like all Carhartt’s gear, its water-resistant Frontier steel toe boots withstand every type of weather. The safety toe and rubber outsole are designed to release dirt buildup, while Rain Defender technology repels water as you work.

READ MORE: Men’s workwear staples: Carhartt, Dickies and more from just $20

Brunt’s The Marin boots prove protective footwear doesn’t have to look clunky. Equally stylish and rugged, the waterproof leather holds up to rain and snow. They’re rated for electrical tasks, have a safety toe and keep you upright when on wet or oily surfaces. The outsoles also resist heat up to 572 degrees, ideal for pavers and welders. 

If you need a bit more room in the toe box, these wide-width work boots deliver space without giving up toughness.

Ariat Sierra boots have a cowboy boot design with a construction-ready build. The Shock Shield prevents foot pain when you stand all day, and the cushioned insole boosts the comfort level. They’re heat-resistant for those hotter climates but slip-resistant for snowier areas. Stay secure on ladders and uneven surfaces with the 90-degree heel. 

Made for long days in rainy conditions, the waterproof Ariat Endeavor boots feature removable padded soles. The outsole is also oil and slip-resistant and includes outdoor tread for releasing mud and dirt for better traction.

READ MORE: Winter camo deals on hoodies, jackets and base layers, starting at $10

American-made Keen boots have a waterproof build and carbon toe cover. The 90-degree heels keep you steady on ladders, and the outsole provides solid footing on oily, wet and hot surfaces. Their leather construction resists everything a barnyard or construction site throws at it. 

If you deal with frequent foot pain, Orthofeet’s Granite work boots can help alleviate it. Added arch support and multiple layers of cushioning offer more shock absorption than your average pair. They still have the safety features you want, including a toe guard, electrical hazard protection and a waterproof yet breathable body.

READ MORE: Expert-recommended insoles for runners, nurses and people with foot pain

You don’t have to spend hundreds to get reliable work boots — these picks come in under $100.

Original price: $94.95

For a boot that gets the job done but doesn’t break the bank, the Wolverine Carlsbad work boots hold up to daily wear-and-tear. The inner mesh prevents sweat build-up, while the full-grain leather outer shell wicks away water. Although the sole doesn’t have as much of a grip as other options, it’s plenty durable for basic construction or farm jobs. 

Original price: $56.99

At just over $50, the NORTIV 8 work boots have all the basics: a protective toe cap, a water-resistant suede shell and a rubber outsole. Combined, these features make for a solid boot that lasts for a few years.

For more deals, visit www.foxnews.com/deals

Original price: $98

For less than $100, Skechers boots deliver the same well-known comfort as the brand’s shoes. Waterproof suede and a high-traction outsole make them ideal for different conditions. The slightly higher heel adds extra ankle support, making them a strong pick for hikes, work and casual wear. 

 If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can get these items sent to your door ASAP. You can join or start a 30-day free trial to start your shopping today.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz accused the Trump administration of unleashing a "campaign of retribution" against his state after Vice President JD Vance announced a temporary pause in Medicaid funding there. 

Vance’s announcement was made after President Donald Trump railed against fraud in Minnesota on Tuesday evening in his State of the Union address. 

Vance said Wednesday that he is giving Walz 60 days to clean up how the state doles out funding, adding, "We are stopping the federal payments that will go to the state government until the state government takes its obligations seriously to stop the fraud that's being perpetrated against the American taxpayer." 

"This is a campaign of retribution. Trump is weaponizing the entirety of the federal government to punish blue states like Minnesota," Walz, a Democrat, wrote in response on X. "These cuts will be devastating for veterans, families with young kids, folks with disabilities, and working people across our state."

MINNESOTA REMAINS FRONT LINE IN VANCE'S ‘WAR ON FRAUD’; WALZ GIVEN 60 DAYS ‘TO CLEAN UP THE SYSTEMS’

"This has nothing to do with fraud. The agents Trump allegedly sent to investigate fraud are shooting protesters and arresting children," Walz added. "His DOJ is gutting the U.S. Attorney’s Office and crippling their ability to prosecute fraud. And every week Trump pardons another fraudster." 

Fox News Digital has reached out to the White House for comment. 

The administration and Congress have zeroed in on rampant abuse of federal taxpayers' funds since December 2025, when details of Minnesota's fraud relating to social and welfare programs stretching back to the COVID-19 pandemic first came into the national spotlight. Investigators have since estimated the Minnesota scheme could top $9 billion.   

HEAVILY REDACTED AUDIT FINDS MINNESOTA MEDICAID HAD WIDESPREAD VULNERABILITIES

Mehmet Oz, the administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, said Wednesday that the pause marks "the largest action against fraud that we've ever taken" at the federal agency, before launching into how the administration is deferring funds to the state.

"It's going to be $259 million of deferred payments for Medicaid to Minnesota, which we're announcing, as I speak, to Gov. Walz and his team," Oz said. "That's based on an audit of the last three months of 2025. Restated, a quarter billion dollars is not going to be paid this month to Minnesota for its Medicaid claims."

"We have notified the state and said that we will give them the money, but we're going to hold it and only release it after they propose and act on a comprehensive corrective action plan to solve the problem," Oz also said. "If Minnesota fails to clean up the systems, the state will rack up $1 billion of deferred payments this year." 

Attorney General Pam Bondi shredded Democrats for refusing to stand for the grieving mother of a murdered Ukrainian refugee during President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address.

Iryna Zarutska was 23 years old when she was killed on a North Carolina train by a suspected repeat offender released on no-cash bail. Her mother, Anna, attended Tuesday’s State of the Union in Washington, D.C., and broke down in tears as the president shared her daughter’s story.

"They would not stand, the Democrats, for that beautiful young woman, Iryna Zarutska, who was killed, who was murdered on the subway," Bondi said Wednesday on "Fox & Friends."

VOTERS REACT AS TRUMP CALLS DEMS 'CRAZY' FOR NOT APPLAUDING BAN ON SECRET TEEN GENDER TRANSITIONS

She said her office is taking action against the suspect charged in the Aug. 22 stabbing. The attack came a few years after Iryna and her family moved to the U.S. to escape Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

TRUMP SHAMES DEMOCRATS IN VIRAL STATE OF THE UNION CHALLENGE ON MIGRANT CRIME: ‘FIRST DUTY’

"We are prosecuting the guy, the monster, and we are seeking the death penalty. That's the stark contrast between Donald Trump, Republicans and the Democrats. They refuse to even stand for that victim," Bondi said.

"It was heartbreaking that Iryna’s mother had to experience that. That should be nonpartisan," she added.

Trump used Iryna’s story to urge Congress to pass stricter legislation targeting repeat offenders. During the speech, he questioned Democrats for remaining seated, asking, "How do you not stand?"

TRUMP AWARDING PURPLE HEART TO NATIONAL GUARDSMAN DURING STATE OF THE UNION GETS POSITIVE MARKS FROM VOTERS

"She had escaped a brutal war only to be slain by a hardened criminal, set free to kill in America," Trump said.

"Mrs. Zarutska, tonight I promise you we will ensure justice for your magnificent daughter, Iryna," he later added.

Tuesday’s State of the Union featured several exchanges between the president and Democratic lawmakers, with Trump questioning their decision not to stand on key issues.

There were also bipartisan moments, including when the U.S. men’s hockey team entered the chamber with their newly won Olympic gold medals and when a 100-year-old Korean War veteran received the Medal of Honor.

Former assistant director in charge of the FBI Washington field office Dave Sundberg has mounted a bid for U.S. Congress, accusing President Donald Trump's administration of weaponizing the Justice Department.

The U.S. House hopeful accused the administration of firing him while sweeping out people who wouldn't execute the president's political aims.

"In January 2025, I was fired by the Trump Administration as part of a retaliatory purge against those who refused to carry out the President’s political agenda. While they took my job, they cannot take my oath," he declared in a Facebook post.

HOYER WON'T SEEK RE-ELECTION, SAYS HOUSE HAS STRAYED FROM FOUNDERS' VISION

In a press release on his campaign website, Sundberg asserted, "I have watched as the White House has weaponized the Department of Justice against political opponents and used the National Guard to intimidate our own citizens, all while seizing levers of power that are supposed to be balanced across government."

"We are reaching a point where we may not recover from this. I am running to ensure Congress becomes a co-equal branch of government again and does not abdicate its responsibility to push back," he declared.

FBI DIRECTOR KASH PATEL: WE HAVE MADE AMERICA SAFER IN JUST ONE YEAR

Sundberg is running in the Democratic primary in Maryland's 5th Congressional District, which is an open contest because Democratic Rep. Steny Hoyer announced last month that he will not seek another term.

In a statement provided to Fox News Digital, Republican National Committee spokeswoman Emma Hall said, "Yet another out-of-touch Democrat campaign built on obsessively attacking President Trump and his overwhelmingly popular agenda, without any plans of their own to lower costs and help working families."

FORMER CAPITOL POLICE OFFICER RUNNING FOR CONGRESS IN DIFFERENT DISTRICT THAN FAILED 2024 BID

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Fox News Digital reached out to Sundberg's campaign for comment.

Democratic lawmakers in one major blue state are facing backlash over their latest attempt to blunt federal immigration enforcement through a new bill crafted around a vulgar acronym.

The F---ICE Act, with the acronym spelled out in practice, is officially the "Fight Unlawful Conduct and Keep Individuals and Communities Empowered Act" and would permit civil action for violations of the U.S. Constitution related to immigration enforcement. The measure was introduced after a clash between a federal agent and a democratic socialist councilman.

Tensions between local and state officials and DHS had soared this month after federal authorities reportedly detained nearly a dozen people on the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail in Jersey City. Jake Ephros, a Democratic Socialist councilman who went to the scene, was rebuffed by a federal agent who told him, "I don’t need a warrant, bro."

Assembs. Ravi Bhalla and Katie Brennan, two Democrats from neighboring Hoboken, crafted the F---ICE Act in response to the incident. Bhalla also announced several other bills seeking to restrict New Jersey’s cooperation with the federal government, according to the Hudson County View.

BLOCKING ICE COOPERATION FUELED MINNESOTA UNREST, OFFICIALS WARN AS VIRGINIA REVERSES COURSE

Bhalla said that when he was mayor of neighboring Hoboken, his first move was to enact a sanctuary city ordinance. The city is famously home to Frank Sinatra and sits across the Hudson River from Midtown Manhattan.

"ICE has no place in our communities," he said in a statement. "Now, the stakes are even higher, and it is incumbent on all of us to use the power we have to keep our residents safe."

Brennan cited Ephros’ run-in with ICE in comments to People, adding that she cannot "sit back and do nothing while they violate people’s constitutional rights."

"These bills strengthen local protections and make sure these agents of chaos face accountability. We have to use the full force of our state government to protect the people of New Jersey."

Brennan told NJ Advance Media that while critics have voiced concern about her acting "unbecoming" and "unladylike," she said it was fellow Hoboken Democrat state Sen. Raj Mukherji who came up with the acronym.

HOCHUL ENDORSES LEGISLATION TO ALLOW NEW YORKERS TO SUE ICE AGENTS: 'POWER DOES NOT JUSTIFY ABUSE'

Mukherji has said ICE has sown "seeds of chaos" nationwide.

Not all lawmakers were on board, including some from the state’s more conservative, rural northwest.

"So, they’re doing acronyms now," said Assemb. Michael Inganamort, R-Chester.

"This sort of radicalism is the inevitable result of an unchecked, 25-year Democratic Majority. It’s what our Republican Minority stands against and why elections matter," Inganamort said in a statement on X.

Assemb. Dawn Fantasia, R-Sussex, said the bill’s title is "wild" but the premise is "wilder."

"[I] don’t have the text yet, but if it means what it sounds like, that’s illegal entry followed by a state-created pathway to sue over enforcement," she said.

"If I was a bettin’ woman, I’d guess NJ taxpayers will be footing the legal bill."

"Katie and Ravi need their mouths washed out with soap," quipped conservative commentator Matt Rooney of "Save Jersey."

Assemb. Paul Kanitra, R-Point Pleasant Beach, suggested the state should deal with the F---ICE Act the same way it deals with people who submit applications for off-color tags.

"Much like the state DMV has to turn down and in some cases even repossess license plates that are deemed vulgar, this should suffer the same fate," Kanitra said.

New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill could not immediately be reached for comment.

In one of her first acts in Trenton, Sherrill signed Executive Order 12, which restricts ICE activities on state property and creates a portal for residents to report immigration enforcement in their areas.

"I take seriously my responsibility to keep New Jersey residents safe and, as a Navy veteran and former federal prosecutor, my commitment to upholding the Constitution will never waver. This executive order will prohibit ICE from using state property to launch operations," Sherrill said in a statement at the time.