Rise in Arrests of Afghan Asylum Seekers in California Amid Security Concerns
The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has announced an increase in the arrest of Afghan asylum seekers in Northern California following a shooting incident involving a member of the National Guard. The move has raised concerns among the Afghan immigrant community in the United States.
Reports indicate that six Afghan asylum seekers, most of whom applied for asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border over the past two years, were detained by federal agents last week. The arrests reportedly occurred when the individuals appeared at federal offices in response to official summonses.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security stated that the agency is working to identify and detain undocumented migrants and individuals suspected of terrorist activities in order to prevent potential security threats. However, critics warn that broad targeting of asylum seekers may foster fear and mistrust within the Afghan immigrant population.
Local sources add that, following these actions, all asylum applications and visa processing for Afghan passport holders have been temporarily suspended. Immigration experts caution that such measures not only complicate the legal path for asylum seekers but also worsen their humanitarian situation.
