Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is calling for a sweeping travel ban targeting countries she says are fueling dangerous migration into the United States. Her remarks followed a deadly Nov. 26, 2025 attack in Washington, D.C., where two National Guard members were shot near Farragut Square. One soldier was killed and another wounded. The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who entered the U.S. during the 2021 evacuation, was arrested shortly after the attack.
According to Fox News, Noem told President Trump that the country needs a “full travel ban on every damn country” contributing to the flow of illegal immigrants. She argued that the current vetting system is failing and that stronger restrictions are necessary to prevent future attacks. The administration is already reviewing green-card approvals and visa issuances for migrants from countries flagged as security risks.
The push comes as part of a broader reassessment of U.S. immigration policy. Earlier this year, the administration issued Proclamation 10949, imposing travel limits on more than a dozen “countries of concern.” Noem’s call would go significantly further, expanding restrictions to any nation that U.S. intelligence deems unable to reliably screen outgoing travelers. Supporters say the move is a necessary response to rising national-security threats. Critics argue it could disrupt international travel and strain diplomatic relationships.
The attack in Washington intensified public debate over the refugee and asylum programs used to admit individuals from conflict zones. Security officials have emphasized that the suspect’s entry through the 2021 Afghan evacuation raises questions about vetting procedures in emergency resettlement efforts. Federal agencies are reviewing past admissions connected to regions with limited intelligence capabilities.
Noem’s proposal signals an escalation in the administration’s national-security posture. As the investigation into the DC attack continues, the White House is weighing whether broader travel restrictions are justified by the risks outlined by Homeland Security.
