Attorney General Pam Bondi warned Monday that the Justice Department is actively investigating “countless” threats to the United States, as concerns mount over potential Iranian sleeper cells and rising instability in the Middle East.

During testimony before the House Appropriations Committee, Bondi said she could not disclose classified intelligence regarding suspected sleeper cells but confirmed her department is on “high alert” after President Donald Trump’s airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites over the weekend prompted retaliation from Tehran Monday.

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According to Attorney General Pam Bondi to @RepTonyGonzales on over 1,000 Iranians who have illegally entered the U.S. in recent years: "I can tell you we are on high alert and everyone is looking at that very closely." pic.twitter.com/AlpzFWav9o

— CSPAN (@cspan) June 23, 2025

“I can’t talk about that in this setting,” Bondi told Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX), a former Navy cryptologist. “But what I can tell you is I know Homeland Security, I know the FBI — they are focusing on doing everything we can to keep our nation safe, and they will continue to do that.”

Bondi said her department is currently handling an unspecified number of national security cases, telling lawmakers: “Countless. I can’t talk about those in this setting either.”

The testimony came within the same time frame as Iran launching a retaliatory missile attack on the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, which houses U.S. troops. The strike caused no casualties and minimal damage, with 13 of 14 missiles intercepted. Trump called the strike “very weak” and thanked Iran for providing advance warning, while urging all sides to pursue peace.

“Perhaps Iran can now proceed to Peace and Harmony in the Region, and I will enthusiastically encourage Israel to do the same,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Congratulations world, it’s time for peace!”

Bondi, however, made clear that the DOJ is treating homeland security threats as urgent. She confirmed that “well over 1,000” Iranian nationals have illegally entered the U.S. in recent years and said federal agencies are scrutinizing that population for signs of illegal activity.

The hearing also highlighted GOP frustration with proposed cuts to DOJ staffing amid global unrest. Gonzales pointed out that the department’s 2026 budget proposes eliminating 1,500 FBI jobs, part of a larger 4,000-position reduction announced last week thanks to the Trump administration’s “Fork in the Road” buyout program.

DOJ AXES 4,000 JOBS INCLUDING PLANS TO END 1,500 FBI POSITIONS

Bondi defended the cuts, saying the DOJ is “doing more with less” while emphasizing that the Trump-backed “big, beautiful bill” in Congress would restore significant funding for national security efforts. “Of course, you can always do more with more,” she said.

The DOJ’s fiscal blueprint includes $7.5 billion for national security and multibillion-dollar increases for violent crime and immigration enforcement, even as the total budget reflects a 7% reduction from last year.