Donald Trump has confirmed his government is considering deporting the wife and five children of Afghan refugee Rahmanullah Lakanwal. The 29-year-old is accused of murdering 20-year-old National Guard soldier Sarah Beckstrom near the White House in a chilling terror attack.
Tragic Attack Spurs Immigration Crackdown
Trump said he’s reviewing the “whole situation with family” after Lakanwal allegedly shot Beckstrom on 27 November. The Afghan refugee entered the US under Biden’s resettlement scheme for allies of American forces in Afghanistan. Now facing first-degree murder charges, Lakanwal’s case has sparked a fierce immigration clampdown.
On 27 November, Trump announced a “permanent pause” on migration from “all Third World countries,” vowing mass deportations for those “non-compatible with Western Civilization.”
FBI Raids Family Home, Massive Investigation Underway
Federal agents raided Lakanwal’s home in Bellingham, Washington, seizing phones, laptops, and tablets while interviewing relatives. FBI Director Kash Patel described the probe as “coast-to-coast.” A relative expressed shock, noting Lakanwal’s past service alongside U.S. forces made him a Taliban target in Afghanistan.
Drastic Measures: 19 Countries Under Immigration Review
Trump’s move targets 19 countries including Afghanistan, Haiti, Iran, Somalia, Venezuela, and others. All Biden-era asylum approvals in these nations are on hold for a full review. Afghan immigration requests have been halted and deportation protections lifted for many under temporary status.
Lakanwal’s Shadowy Past and Deadly Drive
Lakanwal worked from 2011 in a CIA-backed Afghan paramilitary unit, serving alongside Special Forces. Despite this, CIA Director John Ratcliffe blasted the Biden-era resettlement programme that let him into America. Critics say the vetting missed key red flags.
Investigators say Lakanwal drove thousands of miles to Washington, armed with a .357 Magnum revolver, ambushing National Guard patrols near the White House.
Fallen Soldier’s Heroic Service Remembered
Sarah Beckstrom, 20, from West Virginia, joined the Army National Guard in 2023. She volunteered for the Washington post and even chose to work the Thanksgiving shift to give others time with family. Trump called her “an incredible person, outstanding in every single way.”
Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains in critical condition.
Trump Boosts Troop Numbers, Demands Justice
Trump ordered 500 more National Guard troops to the capital, swelling numbers to 2,700 as part of the “Operation DC Safe and Beautiful.” U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro slammed Biden’s vetting as nonexistent, vowing murder charges. Attorney General Pam Bondi promised terrorism charges and death penalty.
Political Firestorm and Future Fallout
The shooting has ignited fierce debate online. Conservatives demand tough deportations, blaming Biden, while critics point out Lakanwal’s asylum was approved under Trump.
The case fuels Trump’s harshest immigration policies yet, risking diplomatic ties and refugee programmes.
As the FBI’s investigation deepens, questions mount on how multiple security screenings missed this alleged terrorist.
