Surge in ICE Arrests of Afghans Following DC National Guard Shooting

UPDATE: Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has ramped up arrests of Afghan nationals across the United States following the tragic shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., on November 26, 2023. This alarming crackdown comes as advocates warn that Afghan allies who risked their lives for U.S. forces are now facing heightened scrutiny and potential detention.

The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who entered the U.S. under Operation Allies Welcome, is charged with the shooting that killed Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and injured Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe. His actions have triggered an immediate review of vetting processes for Afghan immigrants, leading to a freeze in immigration processing for all Afghan nationals, according to the latest report by the Associated Press.

In the wake of these events, ICE has arrested approximately two dozen Afghan immigrants since the shooting, primarily in Northern California. Reports indicate that at least nine individuals were detained last week alone in Sacramento, which is home to one of the largest Afghan communities in the U.S. Volunteers monitoring ICE activities reported that many of those arrested had been diligent about attending required check-ins after requesting asylum.

One volunteer shared the story of a family that fled Taliban threats due to the wife’s father’s assistance to U.S. military forces. After seeking asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border and complying with all necessary appointments, the husband was unexpectedly arrested inside an ICE office in Sacramento. Advocates fear that similar cases will continue to emerge, as the crackdown intensifies.

While some arrests may be linked to prior domestic violence, many detainees have no criminal history, raising concerns about the motivations behind these actions. Affected families and attorneys have expressed alarm, stating that these developments could jeopardize the safety and well-being of those who believed they had secured refuge in the U.S.

The shooting has prompted the U.S. government to halt new asylum applications and tighten vetting procedures for immigrants from specific countries. This follows an earlier decision by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to stop all immigration requests from Afghan nationals, further complicating the situation for those who aided U.S. efforts in Afghanistan.

Vice President JD Vance commented on the situation, stating, “I remember back in 2021 criticizing the Biden policy of opening the floodgates to unvetted Afghan refugees,” highlighting the growing political divide over immigration approaches. Meanwhile, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem criticized the Biden administration, calling the influx of Afghans “one of the worst national security crises in American history.”

As the legal and political fallout continues, the administration faces mounting pressure to clarify how far its enforcement actions will extend and whether the drive to prevent further violence will infringe on the rights of thousands who sought safety in the U.S.

Lakanwal, who has pleaded not guilty to murder and assault, faces multiple charges related to the incident. As his case progresses, the implications for Afghan immigrants remain uncertain, with many questioning the balance between national security and due process.

The urgency of this situation is palpable, and developments are expected to unfold rapidly. Advocates and community members are urging immediate action to protect the rights and safety of Afghan immigrants who have already faced significant adversity in their quest for refuge.

Stay tuned for updates as this story develops, and share to raise awareness about the plight of Afghan nationals in the U.S. who are now facing unprecedented challenges.