Urgent: ICE Arrests Afghans Surge After DC National Guard Shooting

UPDATE: Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has dramatically increased arrests of Afghan nationals in the wake of the recent shooting of two National Guard soldiers in Washington, D.C. on November 26, 2023. This troubling trend, reported by the Associated Press, has raised urgent concerns among Afghan communities across the United States.

The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, entered the U.S. in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome and was granted asylum earlier this year. Following the shooting incident, which resulted in the death of Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and left Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe recovering from injuries, U.S. authorities have halted the processing of immigration requests from Afghan nationals. This move is alarming advocates who fear it will jeopardize the safety of those who risked their lives to assist American forces.

Reports indicate that ICE has arrested approximately two dozen Afghan immigrants since the incident, with many apprehensions occurring in Sacramento, California, home to one of the largest Afghan communities in the U.S. Volunteers monitoring ICE activity noted at least nine arrests at a federal building last week. Many of those detained had complied with check-in requirements and had previously sought asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border.

One volunteer shared a harrowing account of a family who fled Taliban threats after the wife’s father assisted U.S. military operations. Despite attending all the mandated appointments, the husband was taken into custody during a routine check-in at an ICE office, underscoring the fear and uncertainty gripping Afghan families.

The Associated Press reports that ICE’s intensified enforcement efforts reflect a broader shift in policy following the shooting. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has paused new asylum applications and tightened vetting processes for immigrants from certain countries, further complicating the immigration landscape for Afghans.

Critics, including Vice President JD Vance, have voiced strong opinions on the Biden administration’s immigration policies. Vance stated on social media, “I remember back in 2021 criticizing the Biden policy of opening the floodgate to unvetted Afghan refugees.” This sentiment indicates a growing divide over how to handle Afghan immigration amid rising security concerns.

As the situation unfolds, officials are conducting a government-wide review of Afghan admissions under the Biden administration. Discussions are ongoing regarding potential deportation of the suspect’s family and broader migration restrictions. Lakanwal has pleaded not guilty to murder and assault charges related to what prosecutors describe as an “ambush-style” attack.

The implications of these arrests and policy changes are significant. Communities of Afghan immigrants are now facing increased scrutiny and fear of deportation, which could further isolate those who once believed they found refuge in the U.S. As legal battles continue to unfold, pressure mounts on the administration to clarify the extent of its enforcement actions and ensure that due process is upheld for those seeking asylum.

Advocates for Afghan immigrants are calling for immediate attention to this developing crisis, emphasizing the need to protect individuals who have already faced immense dangers for their ties to the U.S. military. The unfolding events demand urgent public awareness and advocacy as the fate of countless Afghan families hangs in the balance.

Stay tuned as we continue to monitor this urgent situation and its repercussions for Afghan immigrants across the nation.