FIRST ON FOX: A Republican senator is calling for answers from TikTok and its Chinese-based owner about videos on its platform that reportedly show users how to cross the U.S. southern border as the number of Chinese nationals crossing the border is increasing.
Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., in a letter to the CEOs of TikTok and ByteDance, cited “alarming” reports that Chinese nationals are using TikTok and its Chinese counterpart to cross the southern border illegally.
CBS News reported how migrants were given step-by-step instructions for hiring smugglers and detailed directions about where gaps are along the southern border, particularly near parts of San Diego.
Other outlets have reported on how Chinese immigrants drew on social media influencers, private groups and user comments to plan their trips overseas.
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TikTok is facing congressional scrutiny due to its Chinese ownership. (iStock)
“The extent of information related to penetrating the United States southern border is so rife on your platforms that some nationals have reported details related to certain modes of transportation to use. There are even posts on how much border officials expect to be bribed in countries along the way,” Schmitt said.
He said ByteDance’s contribution to the crisis “is of deep concern and jeopardizes our national security.”
Fox reported last month how Chinese nationals are the fastest growing migrant demographic in at least one border sector. The number of Chinese…
