On November 26, 2025, two National Guard members from West Virginia were shot in Washington, D.C., during what officials described as an ambush. The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, allegedly used a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver in the attack. One Guardsman, Sarah Beckstrom, died from her injuries, while another, Andrew Wolfe, remains in critical condition.

Lakanwal entered the United States through Operation Allies Welcome, a program designed to assist Afghan allies following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. He had previously worked with the CIA in Afghanistan and was granted asylum in April 2025. This connection has prompted scrutiny of the U.S. government's vetting processes for Afghan refugees, particularly those evacuated during the chaotic withdrawal.

In the aftermath of the shooting, President Donald Trump criticized the Biden administration's immigration policies, asserting that Lakanwal's actions exemplify the risks associated with allowing refugees into the country. Trump announced plans to implement a permanent pause on migration from what he termed "Third World Countries" and proposed a review of immigration statuses for green card holders from high-risk nations, including Afghanistan.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has since suspended processing immigration requests for Afghan nationals and is reviewing green cards issued to individuals from 19 countries classified as high-risk. Critics, including advocacy groups, have expressed concern that these measures unfairly target entire communities based on the actions of individuals, arguing that the U.S. must acknowledge its role in creating conditions that lead to displacement.

The incident has sparked a broader debate about national security, immigration policy, and the treatment of individuals displaced by conflict. Advocacy organizations emphasize the importance of due process and the protection of asylum seekers under international law, cautioning against using isolated incidents to justify sweeping immigration restrictions. As investigations continue, the implications for refugee communities and U.S. immigration policy remain significant.