Homeland Security Chief Kristi Noem Urges 'Complete Travel Ban on all Countries' Sending 'Dangerous Individuals to U.S.'

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has publicly advocated for expanding travel restrictions for foreign visitors to the United States. On Monday, December 1, Noem shared on X that she met with President Donald Trump to discuss imposing broader bans on travelers from certain countries.

In her post, Noem called for "a complete travel ban on every country contributing individuals she described as threats to national safety and public resources." She emphasized that the nation was built on dedication and sacrifice, not for allowing foreign individuals to endanger citizens or drain benefits meant for Americans.

This statement follows Trump's recent announcement that his administration will "permanently pause" immigration from what he referred to as "Third World Countries." He did not specify which countries would be affected or how the pause would be enforced. In a post on Truth Social on November 27, Trump mentioned that the pause aims to allow the U.S. system to recover and remove non-contributing individuals from the country.

The announcement came after the November 26 shooting of two National Guard members, Andrew Wolfe and Sarah Beckstrom, in Washington, D.C. Beckstrom, 20, died from her injuries, while Wolfe, 24, remained in critical condition. Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national and former U.S. ally in Afghanistan, has been charged in connection with the shooting. He was granted asylum in 2021 and later moved to Washington State with his family. Trump had suggested considering deportation for Lakanwal's family.

On November 30, Noem stated on Meet the Press that authorities suspect Lakanwal became radicalized after arriving in the U.S. She mentioned ongoing investigations into his interactions within his local community.

Recent controversy also surrounds Noems decision to continue deportation flights to El Salvador, despite a federal judge's order to halt them. The Justice Department acknowledged her defiance in a court filing, highlighting ongoing legal and administrative disputes over immigration enforcement policies.

Author: Sophia Brooks