Kristi Noem urges implementation of new travel ban following National Guard shooting

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced on Monday that she is advocating for a comprehensive travel restriction targeting nations she described as contributing disproportionately to crime and dependency in the United States.

On X, Noem stated, I just met with the President. I am recommending a full travel ban on countries that have been overwhelming our nation with dangerous individuals and those exploiting our system. She added that the nation was founded through hard work and dedication to freedom, and should not be burdened by individuals she characterized as threats or exploiters of public resources.

The Department of Homeland Security has not specified which countries Noems recommendation targets. President Donald Trump shared Noems post on Truth Social without additional commentary.

Following the recent shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, one of whom died and the other remains critically injured, the Trump administration has intensified immigration enforcement. Authorities confirmed the suspect was an Afghan national who entered the United States legally in September 2021, after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.

In response, Trump emphasized the need to review all Afghan arrivals under the current administration and ensure removal of individuals deemed harmful or unbeneficial to the country. He later announced plans to permanently pause immigration from what he referred to as third world countries.

This proposed restriction is part of ongoing measures by the Trump administration to limit immigration. In June, Trump issued a proclamation blocking entry from 12 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. In October, the administration also reduced the annual refugee admission cap to 7,500, reportedly prioritizing white South Africans according to a Federal Register notice.

Author: Sophia Brooks