US immigration authorities have arrested several Afghan nationals who entered the country under the Biden administration’s emergency evacuation programs, prompting a sweeping review of Afghan immigration cases and deepening anxiety among the 190,000-strong Afghan community resettled since 2021.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed to Fox News that multiple Afghan evacuees had been taken into custody over past convictions, including offences such as sexual assault, kidnapping and assaults involving minors. The individuals had arrived under Operation Allies Refuge or Operation Allies Welcome during the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) blamed the Biden administration’s vetting processes for creating what it described as a “major national security failure,” claiming the Trump administration is now attempting to correct the situation.
The announcement comes days after a 20-year-old National Guard member was killed and another critically injured in a Washington, D.C., ambush allegedly carried out by an Afghan national who was previously vetted in Afghanistan.
Amid the fallout, the US State Department has paused issuing visas for anyone travelling on an Afghan passport. US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has also halted processing of Afghan asylum and residency cases, and launched a full review of all green cards issued to nationals from 19 “countries of concern.”
Among those detained by ICE are:
- Qesmat Din Zafran, arrested in August, who was convicted of lewd acts with a minor under 16.
- Mansour Walizada, arrested in October, previously convicted of sexual battery and arrested for child fondling.
- Mohammad Tabesh Rasoli, arrested in June, convicted of a hit-and-run that caused serious injury.
- Javid Ghamgeen, taken into custody in May after convictions for burglary, drug offences and aggravated assault.
- Asirullah Khalid-Khan, arrested in October with a kidnapping conviction and rape allegation.
- Said Mohammad Tanai, arrested in July, convicted of assault with intent to commit sexual abuse.
DHS officials say they are “working around the clock” to locate and deport individuals considered public-safety risks.
Meanwhile, the arrests and policy shift have triggered deep concern among Afghan refugees, many of whom fled the Taliban after assisting US forces. Community leaders warn that the actions of a single individual are being used to justify broad restrictions that will affect families still navigating legal pathways.
Advocates say Afghans are already reporting heightened fear and discrimination. Some are avoiding public conversations, while others worry about being targeted by immigration authorities despite years of service alongside US troops.
USCIS’ decision to freeze Afghan immigration processing has left thousands unsure of their legal status, work rights and ability to reunite with family members still overseas.
With ICE now tracking more than 1,800 Afghans with outstanding deportation orders, community leaders expect uncertainty and fear to intensify in the coming weeks.
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