Shah Mahmoud Selab arrived in the United States in November 2021 as part of President Biden’s initiative to airlift Afghan refugees. After landing in the country, he settled in Las Cruces, New Mexico, where he was initially accepted into the community. However, Selab’s actions took a troubling turn when, in August 2021, he assaulted a 12-year-old boy. During this incident, he showed the boy explicit images on his phone and attempted to sexually assault him in a public restroom. Fortunately, the boy managed to escape when someone knocked on the door, which halted the assault. Selab was later convicted for his crimes.
In court documents, prosecutors revealed that Selab had faced criminal charges in Afghanistan in 2013, although specific details regarding that arrest are not available. His case highlights a broader issue concerning migrants who have entered the U.S. under the Biden administration and later committed serious crimes. Some notable victims include Rachel Morin, who was tragically raped and murdered in Maryland, and Laken Riley, who faced a similar fate in Georgia.
The alarming increase in violent crimes linked to migrants has raised significant concerns. While crimes committed by illegal immigrants are not new, recent reports indicate a troubling rise in both the number and severity of these incidents. For instance, in Chicago, a 49-year-old man was attacked by four Venezuelan migrants living in a shelter, illustrating the growing danger in communities.
Testimonies from victims’ families, such as Alexis Nungaray, who lost her 12-year-old daughter to rape and murder, have sparked further outrage. Nungaray testified before Congress, asserting that the open-border policies of the Biden administration played a role in her daughter’s death. She recounted the horrific discovery of her daughter’s body in a creek, bound at the hands and ankles. This has prompted Congress to investigate the immigration files of migrants involved in serious crimes. Among 15 cases reviewed, at least 11 involved migrants released after being apprehended at the border, often allowed to remain in the U.S. through programs established by Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas.
Concerns about the adequacy of background checks conducted by Border Patrol agents have also surfaced. In several instances, crucial red flags were missed. One example is Walter Javier Martinez, who had connections to the MS-13 gang in El Salvador. After being released, he went on to kill Kayla Hamilton. Another case involved Jose Barrera Amaya, a Honduran migrant who faced expulsion under a health policy but later entered the U.S. illegally and was subsequently arrested for assault.
In Georgia, Jose Ibarra had a prior criminal history before he was charged with the murder of nursing student Laken Riley. He had faced charges in both New York City and Georgia before his arrest for her murder. Beyond these high-profile cases, numerous other offenses have been reported, including several incidents in Fairfax County, Virginia, where illegal immigrants were charged with sex crimes against minors.
The issue of migrant crime has become a focal point in political discussions, with former President Donald Trump using it as a central theme in his campaign. He attributes these incidents to the Biden administration’s immigration policies and often highlights the stories of victims’ families to support his arguments. Andrew “Art” Arthur, a former immigration judge, has pointed out that many of these recent crimes have shocked the public, emphasizing that individuals committing such acts often should not have been permitted to enter the U.S. in the first place.
Debate continues regarding crime rates among immigrants, with some studies suggesting that illegal immigrants commit crimes at rates similar to or lower than those of native-born Americans, while others indicate higher rates. Despite varying statistics, advocates argue that every crime committed by someone who could have been prevented from entering the country is one too many. Selab’s case exemplifies the urgent need for stricter immigration policies and more thorough background checks to ensure public safety. Critics of the current immigration system emphasize that it is too lenient, allowing many individuals to enter without thorough vetting. For instance, Venezuelans can enter the U.S. without adequate verification of their criminal histories, raising significant concerns about public safety.
The Biden administration has faced backlash for releasing individuals whose backgrounds remain unknown. Without proper vetting, there is a risk that dangerous individuals can slip through the cracks, posing a threat to communities. The case of Shah Mahmoud Selab serves as a critical example of these systemic issues, raising questions about the adequacy of immigration policies and the effectiveness of measures designed to protect citizens.
As Selab serves a prison sentence of over 17 years for his crimes, his case serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding immigration and crime. Lawmakers and officials are increasingly under pressure to ensure that rigorous checks are implemented to prevent individuals with criminal backgrounds from entering the country. The ongoing discourse highlights the need for a balanced approach to immigration that safeguards both humanitarian efforts and the security of American citizens.
Ultimately, the tragic incidents linked to migrants emphasize the necessity for reform in the immigration system. Advocates for victims’ rights argue that every crime committed by someone who could have been stopped at the border must be addressed. The rise in violent crime attributed to migrants underscores the urgent need for more stringent policies and better enforcement of existing laws to protect vulnerable communities across the United States.