Story perspectives

Afghan Veteran Reacts to D.C. Shooting, Immigration Concerns Rise

2/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

Mohammad Iqbal, a former Afghan military commander, now works at a hotel in El Cajon, California.
On November 26, 2022, he learned about a shooting in Washington, D.C., where Afghan immigrant Rahmanullah Lakanwal shot two Army National Guard soldiers.
Lakanwal was identified as a member of the Zero Units, which Iqbal had fought alongside.
The incident highlighted the evacuation of around 10,000 Zero Units members and their families to the U.S. in 2021.
In response, President Trump announced a "permanent pause on third-world migration," affecting asylum seekers from countries like Afghanistan.

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Story summary

Mohammad Iqbal, a former Afghan military commander, now works at a hotel in El Cajon, California.
On November 26, 2022, he learned about a shooting in Washington, D.C., where Afghan immigrant Rahmanullah Lakanwal shot two Army National Guard soldiers.
Lakanwal was identified as a member of the Zero Units, which Iqbal had fought alongside.
The incident highlighted the evacuation of around 10,000 Zero Units members and their families to the U.S. in 2021.
In response, President Trump announced a "permanent pause on third-world migration," affecting asylum seekers from countries like Afghanistan.