Recent incidents involving Afghan refugees in the United States have raised significant concerns regarding violence and criminal behavior. Notably, two members of the National Guard were killed in Washington, D.C., in an attack attributed to Afghan refugee Rahmanullah Lakanwal. This incident followed the sentencing of another Afghan, Abdullah Haji Zada, who was involved in a plot for a mass shooting on Election Day. Zada and his brother-in-law, Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, had planned an attack targeting large crowds. Tawhedi, who previously served as a guard at an American facility in Afghanistan, arranged for his family to return to Afghanistan shortly before the attack, raising questions about the sincerity of their claims for humanitarian protection in the U.S.

The narrative surrounding Afghan refugees has been complicated by multiple violent incidents in recent years, including stabbings and shootings. For instance, in 2025, an Afghan refugee named Jamal Wali opened fire on police officers in Fairfax County, injuring two. These events have contributed to a perception that Afghan refugees, once viewed as allies, may now pose a security threat. In 2024, another Afghan, Farhad Shakeri, was charged with involvement in a plot to assassinate political figures, while Haji Abdul Satar Abdul Manaf was sentenced for drug trafficking linked to terrorist organizations. Additionally, in 2022, Muhammad Syed, an Afghan refugee, was charged with multiple murders within the Muslim community in New Mexico.

Critics argue that the influx of Afghan refugees following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan has led to increased violence, contradicting the initial intent of providing safety and support to those who assisted U.S. forces. The Operation Allies Welcome program, which facilitated the resettlement of approximately 100,000 Afghans, has been scrutinized for inadvertently introducing security challenges to American communities. Advocates for Afghan resettlement, such as Shawn VanDiver, President of AfghanEvac, emphasize the importance of providing mental health support for these individuals, many of whom have faced significant trauma and displacement due to their service and sacrifices in Afghanistan.

The ongoing discourse reflects broader concerns about the implications of refugee resettlement policies, national security, and the humanitarian obligations of the U.S. government. As discussions continue, the need for effective integration strategies and mental health resources for both Afghan refugees and U.S. military personnel remains a critical aspect of this complex issue.