Scrutiny Mounts Over Vetting After Incidents Involving Afghan Entrants in the US

Washington D.C. – A series of high-profile criminal incidents involving Afghan nationals who entered the United States under the Operation Allies Welcome (OAW) program, or were otherwise present in the country, has intensified scrutiny of the federal vetting and resettlement processes. Critics argue that these incidents highlight security gaps.

Attack on Law Enforcement and Extremist Sentiment

Jamal Wali, an Afghan national brought into the US via the OAW program, was involved in a violent encounter with police in Fairfax, Virginia. During a routine traffic stop, Wali shot and wounded two police officers. He was subsequently killed by return fire.

Reports indicate that Wali declared, “I should have served with the f—king Taliban!” during the incident, raising immediate concerns about extremist leanings among some individuals processed through the evacuation.

Alleged Terror Plot for Election Day

Two Afghan nationals, Abdullah Haji Zada and Nasir Ahmed Tawhedi, who had been granted legal status by the Biden administration, were arrested and prosecuted for allegedly plotting a terrorist attack.

Authorities claim they planned to execute the attack in Oklahoma City to coincide with Election Day in 2024. The two were found in possession of hundreds of rounds of ammunition and had reportedly pledged allegiance to ISIS.

Release of Watchlist Individual

The case of Mohammad Kharwin highlights vetting concerns at the border. Kharwin, an Afghan national whose name was on a federal terror watchlist, was apprehended by the Border Patrol in 2024. However, he was subsequently released into the country by the administration.

Kharwin lived at large for over a year before finally being arrested again, sparking questions about the immediate security protocols for individuals flagged as potential threats.

Repeat Violent Offenses and Immigration Status

Javid Ahmadi, an individual identified as a criminal illegal alien from Afghanistan, was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in 2025. Ahmadi was convicted of second-degree assault but had previously been allowed to remain in the country.

This case drew attention to the management of criminal aliens from Afghanistan with existing non-citizenship legal status.

Sexual Offenses Involving Minors

Several cases involving sexual crimes have also raised deep concerns within resettlement communities.

Bahrullah Noori, an Afghan evacuee resettled at Fort McCoy in Wisconsin, was arrested and charged with attempting to engage in a sexual act with a minor using force, along with three other counts related to sexual activity with a minor.

Zabihullah Mohmand, another Afghan national resettled in Montana, was charged with the rape of a teenage girl in a Missoula motel room.

These incidents, across various states and involving different types of serious criminal charges, have fuelled a charged debate over the speed and thoroughness of the vetting processes used during the rapid evacuation and resettlement phases of Operation Allies Welcome.

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