VIDEO-FBI Director Stuns With His Answer to Question on Americans Who Fight Alongside Islamic State | Video | TheBlaze.com

FBI Director James Comey was hammered by his critics after he told CBS News over the weekend that Americans who fight alongside the Islamic State in Syria are “entitled to come back” to the U.S. due to their citizenship.

Comey revealed that roughly 12 American citizens are currently believed to be fighting for the Islamic State in Syria. He also said he is aware of each of them.

“Each and every one of them?” CBS News’ Scott Pelley asked.

“I think of that, dozen or so, I do. I hesitate only because I don’t know what I don’t know,” Comey replied.

CBS News

But when Pelley pressed the FBI director on how America can “keep them from coming home and attacking the homeland,” Comey said they are “entitled” to come home as American citizens.

“Ultimately, an American citizen, unless their passport’s revoked, is entitled to come back,” Comey said. “So, someone who has fought with ISIL with an American passport wants to come back, we will track them very carefully.”

Twitchy tracked some of the backlash that ensued over the comments.

Watch the video via CBS News below: