U.S. President Donald Trump delivered a fiery Thanksgiving message on Truth Social, vowing to “permanently end” immigration from impoverished countries. His remarks came hours after two National Guard troops on patrol in Washington, D.C., were shot — one of whom died moments before Trump addressed U.S. troops in a video message.

Tougher Rhetoric After Shooting

Authorities arrested a 29-year-old Afghan national in connection with the attack. The suspect reportedly entered the U.S. through a relocation program designed for Afghans who assisted American forces during the Afghanistan War.

While Trump did not directly mention the shooting in his post, the timing underscored his increasingly aggressive tone. “This problem can only be solved by REVERSE IMMIGRATION,” he wrote, accusing recent arrivals of bringing harm to the United States.

Harsh Accusations Toward Immigrants

In his message, Trump claimed that “most” foreign-born people in the U.S. come from “failed nations,” rely on public assistance, or have ties to prisons, gangs, or cartels.
However, extensive academic research contradicts these statements. A major criminology review published last year found no evidence that immigrant communities contribute to rising crime. Similarly, a 2023 study by economists concluded that immigrants are 60% less likely to be incarcerated than U.S.-born citizens — a trend consistent for roughly 150 years.

Economic Stakes and Potential Fallout

Roughly 31 million foreign-born workers are part of the U.S. labor force, raising concerns that Trump’s proposed mass deportations could disrupt key sectors of the economy.
During Trump’s earlier term, nationwide raids targeting workplaces and schools unsettled entire communities and sparked widespread fear.

Targeting Biden-Era Entry Programs

Trump also renewed his pledge to end the large-scale admissions that took place under President Joe Biden.
He called for cutting federal benefits and subsidies for non-citizens, stripping citizenship from individuals alleged to “disturb domestic peace,” and deporting those deemed “incompatible with Western Civilization.”

Renewed Scrutiny for Afghan Refugees

Following the attack, Trump escalated his rhetoric, demanding a full re-evaluation of all Afghan refugees admitted under the Biden administration.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Joseph Edlow stated Thursday that the agency will implement additional screening for individuals from 19 “high-risk” countries. Edlow did not identify those nations; however, in June the administration restricted or banned entry from 19 countries over national security concerns.

White House Signals Support

The White House’s rapid-response social media account described Trump’s message as “one of the most important statements the President has ever issued.”
Trump’s comments, amplified by the heightened tension following the attack on the National Guard, have pushed the immigration debate back to the center of U.S. political discourse.