UPDATE: Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has dramatically increased the arrests of Afghan nationals following a tragic shooting that occurred on November 26, 2023, in Washington, D.C. The surge in detentions comes after an Afghan man, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, allegedly shot two members of the National Guard, raising urgent concerns among Afghan communities across the United States.
Authorities confirm that the shooting has triggered a sweeping review of vetting processes for Afghan immigrants, particularly those admitted under the Operation Allies Welcome program, which aimed to bring around 76,000 individuals to safety after the Taliban takeover. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has stopped processing all immigration requests for Afghan nationals, a move that advocates warn will leave many allies stranded.
Reports indicate that ICE has arrested approximately two dozen Afghan immigrants since the shooting, primarily in Northern California. In Sacramento, one of the largest Afghan communities in the U.S., volunteers monitoring ICE activity reported at least nine arrests just last week. Many of those detained had been complying with regular check-ins and had sought asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border, fearing Taliban reprisals for supporting U.S. forces.
The emotional toll is profound. One family, who fled threats due to the wife’s father assisting the U.S. military, saw the husband arrested inside an ICE office while they were fulfilling all check-in requirements. This crackdown has heightened fears in communities that already feel under scrutiny, with advocates warning that the current policies risk undermining the safety and rights of those who sought refuge.
The alleged shooter, Lakanwal, was granted asylum earlier this year after entering the U.S. in 2021. The incident has sparked political backlash, with Vice President JD Vance criticizing the Biden administration’s refugee policies. He stated on X, “They shouldn’t have been in our country.” Meanwhile, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem accused the administration of creating a national security crisis by allowing “nearly 190,000 unvetted Afghan aliens” into the country.
The implications of these arrests are significant. The Biden administration is under mounting pressure to clarify its stance as it navigates an increasingly complex legal landscape. With the USCIS halting processing for Afghan applicants and a government-wide review underway, the future remains uncertain for many who believed they had found safety in the U.S.
As Lakanwal faces charges of murder and assault related to the shooting, the political and legal fallout continues to escalate. Advocates worry that the aggressive enforcement measures could compromise due process for thousands who have legitimate asylum claims. The situation is developing rapidly, and the community’s response will likely shape future policies regarding Afghan nationals.
What Happens Next? The government’s crackdown may intensify as pressure mounts to prevent further violence. As the legal proceedings against Lakanwal unfold, many are watching closely to see what measures the administration will implement to address the complex dynamics of Afghan immigration amidst ongoing security concerns. The fate of countless Afghan families hangs in the balance as this urgent situation continues to evolve.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops, and share to raise awareness of the critical issues facing Afghan immigrants in the U.S.
