Trump Intensifies Anti-Immigration Policies Following National Guard Shooting

On November 28, 2025, two National Guard members, Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, were shot near the White House by 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national. Lakanwal, who had previously worked with the CIA, is facing first-degree murder charges. Beckstrom succumbed to her injuries, while Wolfe remains in critical condition. The incident has been labeled a "terrorist attack" by U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C., Jeanine Pirro, who stated that the attack was premeditated.

Reuters

In the wake of the shooting, President Donald Trump has escalated his anti-immigration rhetoric. He vowed to “permanently pause migration from all Third World Countries” and to terminate millions of admissions made during Joe Biden's presidency. Trump’s statements included threats to strip U.S. citizenship from naturalized migrants deemed to undermine domestic tranquility and to end federal benefits for noncitizens. He has ordered a review of green card holders from 19 nations, including Afghanistan, which he has subjected to a travel ban.

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Trump's assertions linking immigration to crime have faced significant scrutiny. A 2023 study indicated that immigrants are 60% less likely to be incarcerated than U.S.-born citizens, contradicting Trump's claims that immigrants contribute to crime. Critics argue that using isolated incidents to justify sweeping immigration restrictions is inconsistent with evidence showing no correlation between refugee arrivals and increased crime rates. Jasmin Lilian Diab, director of the Institute for Migration, emphasized that such actions could disrupt families and erode the integrity of the migration system.

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In a Thanksgiving address to U.S. military service members, Trump characterized the shooting as a reflection of broader security issues related to immigration. He stated, “I will permanently pause migration from all Third World Countries to allow the U.S. system to fully recover.” Meanwhile, the U.N. has urged the U.S. to uphold its commitments under international law regarding asylum seekers, emphasizing the need for due process.

Reuters

While Trump has called for a review of Afghan refugees, the specifics of which individuals or groups will be affected remain unclear. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has not publicly named the 19 countries under scrutiny, leading to uncertainty about the implications of Trump's proposed policies. Additionally, conflicting reports have emerged regarding the conditions of the National Guard members involved in the shooting.

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• “What happened at that crime is unmistakable. It is a premeditated murder,” — Jeanine Pirro, U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C.

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• “We expect all countries, including the United States, to honour their commitments under the 1953 Refugee Convention,” — Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the U.N. Secretary-General.

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• “While the recent incident is tragic, using an isolated incident to justify mass restrictions is inconsistent with evidence showing no link between refugee arrivals and increased crime,” — Jasmin Lilian Diab, Director of the Institute for Migration.

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The shooting incident has provided President Trump with a platform to advocate for more stringent immigration policies, potentially impacting thousands of individuals seeking asylum in the U.S. As the administration reviews immigration protocols, the balance between national security and humanitarian obligations remains a contentious issue.

Reuters