SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — On a recent afternoon, Giselle Garcia, a volunteer helping an Afghan family resettle, drove the father to a mandatory check-in with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). As they approached, she urged the family to brace themselves for the worst.
The father was arrested the moment he entered the ICE office in California’s capital. This arrest came shortly after an Afghan national suspect was involved in the shooting of two National Guard troops, which has led to a marked increase in arrests of Afghans in the country, according to immigration attorneys.
He was trying to stay strong for his wife and kids, but you could feel the anxiety and fear in the car, Garcia said. His wife was holding back tears, but I could see her quietly crying in the rearview mirror. The family had fled Afghanistan under threat from the Taliban due to the wife’s father assisting the U.S. military and sought asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border.
Recent Surge in Afghan Arrests
The Associated Press has tracked around two dozen arrests of Afghan immigrants since the November 26 shooting incident, mostly occurring in Northern California. In Sacramento, which hosts one of the largest Afghan communities in the nation, reports indicate that at least nine Afghan men were arrested at check-ins last week alone.
Many of those detained had requested asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border over the past two years, while others were among the 76,000 Afghans brought to the U.S. as part of Operation Allies Welcome.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the current administration is “actively reexamining” the status of Afghans who entered the U.S. during the previous administration, igniting concern among those who work with immigrant communities.
Impact of One Incident on Many
Critics argue that the recent spike in immigration enforcement represents collective punishment against innocent Afghans. Many have risked their lives supporting U.S. troops over the past two decades. Democratic Rep. Ami Bera underscored that the actions of one person should not lead to widespread consequences, highlighting the contributions of many Afghans who aided American forces.
Arrests at ICE Offices
Garcia witnessed Afghan men arriving at the ICE office after being summoned for immediate reporting on December 1. In a troubling pattern, each man was handcuffed as he entered the office despite having previously complied with all legal requirements.
“We saw an influx of Afghan immigrants called randomly starting at 6 a.m., asked to check in immediately,” Garcia stated, recounting witnessing six arrests that day alone.
Heightened Fear and Anxiety
Reports from across the country indicate rising fear among Afghan immigrants. In Iowa, for example, an Afghan showed up late for work due to being detained briefly by ICE officers who accused him of being a “terrorist.”
Some immigration attorneys express concern for their Afghan clients, emphasizing the lack of criminal backgrounds among most arrested individuals. They note that many fear for their safety and seek urgent guidance from legal advocates.
Garcia reported listening through the wall as an Afghan father was handcuffed, screaming rights to him from beyond the barrier, as his family was left in distress outside the office. The emotional toll on families seeking refuge in the U.S. is palpable and growing as immigration policy shifts leave many in limbo.
