ICE Arrests Afghan Nationals with Criminal Histories
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced on Thursday that it has apprehended several Afghan nationals. These individuals were allowed to enter the United States during the Biden administration’s Operation Allied Evacuation and Allied Welcome, yet have since been convicted of serious crimes, such as kidnapping and inappropriate conduct with minors.
A representative from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that the current administration has created “one of the worst and most complex national security crises in U.S. history,” adding that efforts are underway to address this situation.
The announcement follows a tragic incident where an Afghan national, who had been vetted by the CIA in Afghanistan, was implicated in the ambush that resulted in the death of a National Guard soldier and injuries to another in Washington, D.C.
In response to these events, the State Department has suspended all visas for individuals traveling with Afghan passports.
Escalating Concerns and Apprehensions
Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin emphasized the commitment to identifying and detaining known or suspected terrorists and criminals who may have entered the country through what she described as the “fraudulent parole program.” She noted, “The Biden administration allowed 190,000 Afghan nationals into the country without conducting any criminal background checks or adequately vetting their identities.”
According to DHS records, recent arrests by ICE include:
Kesmat Din Zahran
On August 29, ICE detained Kesmat Din Zahran, who entered the U.S. under Operation Allied Protection in September 2021. Zahran has a history of criminal convictions, including lewd acts with a minor.
Mansour Walizada
ICE also arrested Mansour Walizada on October 2. This Afghan national, who entered the U.S. in 2021, has been previously convicted of sexual assault and has faced charges related to child fondling.
Mohammad Tabesh Rasouli
On June 8, authorities took Mohammad Tabesh Rasouli into custody. Rasouli entered the U.S. in September 2021 and his criminal record includes a conviction for a hit-and-run that caused significant injuries.
Javid Gamzeen
On May 8, ICE apprehended Javid Gamzeen, who had previously been convicted of methamphetamine possession, robbery, and aggravated assault on a public servant.
Asirullah Khalid Khan
Asirullah Khalid Khan was arrested on October 9. He also entered the U.S. in 2021 under Operation Welcoming Allies and has been charged with kidnapping and has a conviction related to sexual offenses.
Mohammad Tanai
Finally, on July 21, ICE took Saeed Mohammad Tanai into custody. This individual, who entered under Operation Arise Refuge, has a conviction for assault with intent to commit sexual abuse.
