America First: Protecting Our Soldiers and Our Borders

The tragic deaths of National Guard members Sarah Beckstrom and Andrew Wolfe in Washington, D.C., have shaken the nation. Both were committed service members—dedicated, trained, and ready to defend their country. Yet, in the days before their deaths, Beckstrom expressed deep frustration, saying her unit could not detain individuals or stop crime, which left her feeling her mission was “pointless.” Her words, spoken in service, now carry a painful weight. They reflect a broader failure—one that goes beyond one incident and speaks to a system under strain.

Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the man responsible for their deaths, was admitted into the United States under the Biden administration’s immigration policies. He came from a region marked by instability and conflict. While he was not a refugee in the traditional sense, his background and history were not thoroughly vetted before entry. This is not a claim made in anger but a fact supported by intelligence reports and oversight reviews. The system that allowed him entry did not meet the standard of due diligence that should be expected when lives are at stake.

The National Guard has long served as a critical line of defense in times of crisis. During the 2021 Capitol riot, President Trump deployed troops to restore order after local law enforcement was overwhelmed. That action was a response to a clear and present danger. Today, we see the consequences when that same force is left without the authority or tools to act—when the rules prevent them from doing their job.

This is not about closing our hearts or turning away those in need. It is about common sense and national responsibility. Every country has a duty to protect its own citizens. The United States is no exception. When we admit individuals from high-risk regions without rigorous screening, we place American lives at risk. We cannot afford to treat border security as a political bargaining chip or a symbol of virtue signaling.

The solution is not to abandon compassion, but to ensure that compassion does not come at the expense of safety. We can help those in need through targeted, secure, and monitored programs. We can support humanitarian efforts without compromising the integrity of our borders. The goal should be to admit people who will contribute to society, not undermine it.

America first means putting our own people first—especially those who serve. Soldiers, police, firefighters, and everyday citizens deserve to live in a country where the rules are enforced and the law is respected. When service members feel powerless, when they cannot act to stop a threat, we have failed them.

We must demand better. Not through fear, but through responsibility. Not through division, but through clarity. Strong borders, thorough vetting, and consistent enforcement are not conservative ideals—they are foundational principles of a functioning society. They are not about exclusion, but about order, predictability, and justice.

This tragedy should not be forgotten. It should be a catalyst for change. We must strengthen our immigration system so that it reflects both our values and our reality. We must ensure that no American is left vulnerable because of weak policies. And we must honor the memory of Beckstrom and Wolfe by ensuring their sacrifice leads to a safer, more secure nation.

America’s strength has always come from its people, its laws, and its shared commitment to protecting one another. Let us return to that foundation. Let us build a future where every citizen, especially those who serve, can trust that their government has their back.

Published: 11/29/2025