WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump invoked a key provision of federal immigration law on Saturday, emphasizing his administration's authority to impose sweeping restrictions on entry into the United States as part of an escalating crackdown on immigration.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump quoted Section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which grants the president broad powers to suspend the entry of noncitizens when deemed detrimental to U.S. interests. "Whenever the President finds that the entry of any aliens or of any class of aliens into the United States would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, he may by proclamation, and for such period as he shall deem necessary, suspend the entry of all aliens or any class of aliens as immigrants or nonimmigrants, or impose on the entry of aliens any restrictions he may deem to be appropriate," Trump wrote, directly citing the statute.
The president's statement came just days after the fatal shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., an incident that has intensified the administration's focus on immigration enforcement. On Wednesday, National Guard members Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Andrew Wolfe, 24, were shot in the nation's capital. Beckstrom died from her injuries, while Wolfe remains in critical condition, according to the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia.
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, has been accused in the shooting, according to authorities. The attack has been cited by Trump and his administration as emblematic of broader security concerns tied to immigration, though details on Lakanwal's immigration status have not been publicly confirmed.
Trump's post followed a Thursday announcement in which he vowed to halt immigration from what he described as "Third World countries," reverse admissions made during the Biden administration, and deport foreign nationals considered public threats, security risks, or incompatible with Western civilization. He argued that the U.S. immigration system has been overwhelmed and that his policies would allow it to "fully recover."
Among the measures outlined, Trump pledged to end federal benefits for noncitizens, denaturalize migrants accused of undermining "domestic tranquility," and expand deportations nationwide. On Friday, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced it had halted all asylum decisions, a move that affects thousands of pending cases and signals a sharp pivot in processing procedures.
The administration's actions build on a series of recent enforcement efforts. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have been active in operations, including arrests outside federal courthouses. For instance, on June 27, 2025, agents in New York reviewed lists of names and hearing times at the Federal Plaza courthouse before making arrests, according to reports from the scene.
Legal experts have weighed in on the use of Section 212(f). Law professor John Yoo, appearing on Fox News Live, discussed the provision's historical applications, noting its use by previous presidents to restrict travel from certain countries. Yoo joined Fox News correspondent Danamarie McNicholl in breaking down the Trump administration's tighter immigration guidelines, which come amid heightened tensions following the National Guard shooting and references to former President Joe Biden's use of the autopen for signing documents.
"The president posted amid intensifying immigration actions by his administration after the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., Wednesday," the report stated, linking the policy shift directly to the incident.
Trump's rhetoric has drawn attention to specific policy contrasts. He criticized what he called a "flood of illegal immigration" under prior leadership, positioning his approach as a moratorium to secure the border. Reports indicate that the administration views the current system as strained, with vows to make the border "secure again."
In a related development, Chicago Public Schools has a policy allowing unlimited absences for children of undocumented immigrants amid ongoing ICE operations, according to local reports. This has sparked debate over how local education systems accommodate families affected by federal enforcement actions, though school officials have not commented further.
The shooting of the National Guard members has added a layer of urgency to the immigration debate. Beckstrom and Wolfe were stationed in Washington, D.C., at the time of the attack, which occurred on Wednesday. Photos from the scene show National Guard personnel in the area, and the incident has been described as a tragic loss by military officials.
Fox News Digital reporters Landon Mion and Michael Sinkewicz contributed details on the administration's plans, emphasizing the breadth of the proposed moratorium. The outlet's politics coverage has highlighted Trump's Oval Office remarks, where he spoke during a meeting surrounded by advisors, underscoring the White House's commitment to these reforms.
Broader implications of the policy shift include potential legal challenges and international reactions. While Section 212(f) has been upheld in courts before, immigrant rights groups have expressed concerns over the scope of the restrictions. The halt on asylum decisions, in particular, could leave applicants in limbo, affecting individuals from various countries seeking protection.
As the administration moves forward, Trump has signaled that the "hard part begins" in implementing these changes. With deportations ramping up and benefits curtailed, the coming weeks will test the logistics of the crackdown. Officials have not specified timelines for proclamations under Section 212(f), but the president's post suggests swift action is forthcoming.
The interplay between the recent violence and immigration policy underscores a pivotal moment for the Trump administration. As enforcement intensifies, the balance between national security and humanitarian considerations remains a focal point for lawmakers, advocates, and communities across the country.