Increasing Arrests of Afghan Immigrants Raise Concerns Amid Political Turmoil

Wed Dec 10 2025 06:08:46 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The U.S. government's intensified scrutiny of Afghan immigrants follows a tragic incident involving an Afghan national. Volunteers express worry over the fate of families seeking asylum while the legal landscape shifts.

In Sacramento, California, an Afghan father seeking asylum was arrested by ICE during a routine check-in, highlighting heightened tensions in the wake of a shooting incident. Immigration lawyers report a sharp increase in arrests following implications of a terrorist act linked to an Afghan immigrant. Advocates fear that the actions against Afghans are a collective punishment for the actions of a few. As families navigate the precarious immigration landscape, the situation is causing significant anxiety and uncertainty among detained Afghans and their supporters.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — In a troubling development for Afghan immigrants in the United States, an Afghan father was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during a routine check-in. This arrest comes on the heels of a shooting incident involving an Afghan national suspect, causing federal authorities to intensify scrutiny and arrest actions directed at the Afghan community.

Giselle Garcia, a volunteer aiding families like his, recounted the emotional turmoil of the moment. As this Afghan father entered the ICE office, he braced for the worst, a sentiment echoed by his wife and children waiting anxiously in the car.

The family fled their home country under the threat of the Taliban and had sought asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border, compliant with all legal requirements. Yet, the recent rise in arrests has left many in the Afghan community feeling vulnerable.

Targeting Afghans Post-Shooting

Following the shooting of two National Guard troops on November 26, the U.S. has recorded a surge in arrests of Afghan immigrants, particularly in California's Sacramento, which houses one of the largest Afghan communities in the country.

Reports indicate that nearly two dozen Afghans have been arrested in the U.S. in recent days, with many having sought asylum under previous administrations’ programs.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt mentioned that the current administration is reviewing all Afghan nationals who entered during the Biden presidency amidst growing concerns about safety and vetting protocols.

A Collective Punishment?

Critics of these rapid enforcement actions argue that innocent Afghans are being unfairly punished for the actions of one person. Relevant lawmakers have suggested that measures should be focused on those who pose legitimate threats, rather than apprehending individuals who risked their lives to support U.S. efforts in Afghanistan.

Garcia noted how Jamil, the father she was helping, was subjected to arrest despite his compliance with immigration protocols.

A Family Torn Apart

Witnessing the emotional fallout was heartbreaking. As agents handcuffed the father, his wife broke down in tears, struggling to remain strong for their children.

This incident represents a larger issue facing many Afghan immigrants navigating an increasingly hostile immigration climate. Advocates like Garcia continue to support and monitor the situation, gathered in the hope of pushing back against such enforcement actions. Their task is made heavier by the uncertainty and anxiety brewing among families striving for safety in a new land.