Noem says deportation operation decisions are hers amid case over flights to El Salvador

On November 26, 2025, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, allegedly carried out a shooting targeting two members of the West Virginia National Guard near the White House, resulting in critical injuries. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that Lakanwal was radicalized in the U.S. after being granted asylum during the Trump administration, raising concerns about domestic extremism.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated on 'Meet the Press' that decisions regarding deportation operations are hers, denying accusations of defying a court order to stop deportation flights to El Salvador. She criticized what she termed 'radical decisions' made by 'activist judges.'

On November 26, 2025, a shooting incident in Washington, D.C., resulted in the death of National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom and critical injuries to another Guardsman, Andrew Wolfe. The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, was granted asylum under the Trump administration and has been described by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem as having been 'radicalized' in the U.S.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that the Biden administration is responsible for any vetting failures related to the Afghan refugee accused of shooting two National Guardsmen in Washington, D.C. The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, allegedly carried out the attack on November 26, 2025, resulting in critical injuries to the Guardsmen.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced on 'Meet the Press' that the U.S. will resume reviewing asylum claims after addressing the backlog of cases that had been halted following a shooting incident involving National Guard members in Washington, D.C. The Trump administration had previously suspended immigration requests from Afghanistan in response to this incident.

On November 26, 2025, a shooting incident in Washington, D.C., resulted in the critical injury of two members of the West Virginia National Guard, with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stating that the suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, was radicalized in the U.S. This incident has raised significant concerns regarding domestic extremism and the implications of radicalization within the country.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that the suspect in the National Guard shooting was radicalized in the U.S., highlighting concerns about domestic extremism. The incident has raised significant alarm as it resulted in the critical injury of two National Guard members near the White House. Noem also indicated that the asylum process for migrants would resume once the backlog of applications is addressed.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed on Meet the Press that she authorized the continuation of deportation flights for Venezuelan migrants, despite a federal judge's order to halt such actions. This decision has sparked significant controversy and legal scrutiny regarding the adherence to judicial directives.