On November 26, 2025, a shooting incident in Washington, D.C. resulted in the death of Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and left Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe critically injured. The alleged shooter, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, had entered the U.S. in 2021 under 'Operation Allies Welcome,' a program designed to assist Afghan allies following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Lakanwal, who previously worked with U.S. forces, is now facing first-degree murder charges.

In the aftermath of the shooting, President Donald Trump responded by reiterating his long-standing anti-immigration stance. He proposed a 'permanent pause' on migration from what he referred to as 'Third World Countries,' asserting that this would allow the U.S. immigration system to recover. Trump also threatened to revoke citizenship from naturalized immigrants deemed a threat to domestic stability and indicated plans to eliminate federal benefits for noncitizens.

Trump's remarks included derogatory comments about Somali refugees and specifically targeted Representative Ilhan Omar, a Democrat from Minnesota and a naturalized citizen originally from Somalia. He questioned her immigration status and made personal attacks regarding her appearance and cultural attire. These statements were made in the context of a broader review of green card holders from 19 nations previously affected by a travel ban.

The incident has reignited debates over the vetting processes for Afghan refugees and the implications of linking immigration to crime. Critics argue that such sweeping measures could unjustly stigmatize entire communities and undermine the humanitarian principles guiding refugee resettlement. Advocacy groups have cautioned against using this incident as a pretext for broader immigration crackdowns, emphasizing the importance of due process and the protection of asylum seekers under international law.

As the U.S. approaches the 2026 midterm elections, the political ramifications of this incident and Trump's proposed immigration policies are likely to shape the national discourse on immigration and public safety.