Representative Criticizes Afghan Refugee Admissions and FBI Investigation

Rep. Troy Downing, representing Missouri’s fifth congressional district, voiced strong criticism against recent developments regarding Afghan refugees admitted under President Biden’s Operation Allies Welcome program.

Speaking exclusively to Newsmax TV on Friday, December 5th, 2024, Downing characterized the vetting process as misleading or insufficient and asserted that these individuals were not properly vetted. He noted that officials had assured Americans that those arriving from Afghanistan underwent thorough background checks, but he now disputes this narrative.

Downing emphasized that while many Afghans who collaborated with U.S. forces did so at considerable risk and deserve protection, the administration blurred the distinction between verified allies and individuals whose identities could not be confirmed through proper vetting. He stated,

“Now we’re looking at the fact that a lot of them had really no data and no way to follow up whether they were vetted.”

He further contended that the lack of reliable background information creates serious national security concerns, angering him that the U.S. public was misled into believing unnecessary risks did not exist.

Furthermore, Downing mentioned another issue: the protracted period without progress in investigations related to DNC and RNC properties where pipe bombs were discovered years prior. Specifically, he noted that an Afghan individual admitted under the program has allegedly carried out a shooting incident involving National Guardsmen last month, adding urgency to his critique of security procedures.

He stated,

“We were sold a false bill of sale here that these refugees coming over had been vetted.”

Downing also referenced recent FBI Director Kash Patel and Attorney General Pam Bondi for their role in the renewed investigation into the pipe bombs case. Although he praised them indirectly, he argued that this effort highlights past failures by federal law enforcement agencies under the Biden administration.

He commented,

“Kudos to [FBI Director Kash Patel] and [Attorney General Pam Bondi] … but… it points out deeper issues.”

Downing believes that without new evidence emerging after nearly five years, solving cases should not be attributed solely to “good old-fashioned police work.”