WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump stated that the recent shooting of two National Guard members near the White House highlights a severe failing in immigration policy, labeling it as the single greatest national security threat facing our nation. In a video statement shared across social media platforms, Trump emphasized that the safety of the nation is paramount.
He pointed out that the suspect, reportedly an Afghan national who arrived in the United States in September 2021 amid the chaotic evacuation from Kabul, embodies the risks associated with current migration procedures. Trump noted, No country can tolerate such a risk to our very survival.
The suspect had participated in Operation Allies Welcome, a program designed to resettle Afghans who collaborated with U.S. forces, prompting criticism regarding the vetting processes in place. Trump and his allies have been vocal about perceived gaps in this program, asserting that many individuals have been admitted without thorough scrutiny.
As scrutiny and backlash grow around the Biden administration’s refugee policies, Trump's statements signal his administration’s commitment to overhaul immigration practices. The former president indicated that a review of all Afghan admissions is imminent, responding to both security concerns and political pressures.
During his remarks, Trump shifted his focus to Minnesota's large Somali community, framing it within his broader narrative about immigration’s impact on American society. He reiterated his intent to prioritize deportations and tighten immigration controls, stating, If they can’t love our country, we don’t want them.”
This sequence of events has stirred fears among supporters of Afghan evacuees that those seeking asylum will now face increased scrutiny, potentially jeopardizing their safety and future in the U.S. Concerns about human rights and the ongoing consequences of rapidly shifting immigration policies remain at the forefront of the public discourse following this incident.
