United States to Deport Six Afghan Nationals Accused of Terrorism and Violent Crimes

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has initiated proceedings to deport six Afghan nationals, citing charges of terrorism-related activity and serious violent crimes. The move underscores heightened public safety concerns and a sweeping reassessment of immigration vetting for Afghan evacuees and applicants.

The announcement follows a recent, high-profile incident in Washington, D.C., where an Afghan national, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, allegedly shot two members of the U.S. National Guard, resulting in the death of a 20-year-old soldier. This event has intensified bipartisan political pressure on the Biden administration regarding the security protocols for the tens of thousands of Afghans admitted since the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.

In an unusual step, DHS publicly released photographs and case details of the individuals slated for deportation, framing the action as a necessary measure for national security. The agency stated that these cases represent “only a fraction” of offenders who have “answered American generosity with violence,” and emphasized that Americans “should not have to face violence from people who should never have been here.”

The Cases Highlighted by DHS Include:

• Jamal Wali: Accused of shooting a police officer.

• Two Unnamed Suspects in Oklahoma: Allegedly involved in a terrorism-related plot.

• A Former Watch-List Entrant: Initially admitted but later detained by authorities.

• Three Additional Individuals: Facing charges or convictions for severe crimes, including assault and sexual offenses, after having gained entry or legal status in the U.S.

Another case referenced is that of Zabiullah Momand, who faces assault charges, further fueling scrutiny of the post-2021 admission process.

Policy Fallout and Broader Immigration Halts

The cascade of incidents has triggered immediate policy repercussions. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has confirmed a complete pause on all Afghan immigration-related applications, including humanitarian parole and Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) processing, pending a comprehensive review of screening procedures.

Simultaneously, the U.S. State Department has suspended visa issuance for all Afghan passport holders worldwide, a drastic measure affecting tourists, students, and other applicants unrelated to the 2021 evacuation.

Political Reactions

The situation has become a flashpoint in the national security debate. President Donald Trump stated, “Every single Afghan admitted under this administration must be re-examined,” arguing that national security requires the removal of anyone who “does not belong in the country.”

The Biden administration, while defending the overall integrity of the 2021 evacuation—known as Operation Allies Welcome—as a humanitarian necessity, has acknowledged gaps. Officials have pledged to bolster inter-agency vetting, which typically involves checks across the FBI, DHS, and intelligence community databases.

DHS reiterated its commitment, stating, “Those who pose a threat to public safety or who have been convicted of serious crimes have no place in the United States and will be removed.” The department affirmed that the deportation proceedings are a direct component of this renewed enforcement priority.

The developments mark a significant tightening of U.S. asylum and immigration policy specifically toward Afghans, leaving thousands of applicants—including many who aided U.S. forces—in a state of uncertainty amidst the heightened security crackdown.

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