Afghan evacuees had unrestricted access to U.S. military bases in 2021 and could leave in Ubers without authorization while their security vetting remained incomplete, exposing massive failures in the Biden administration’s withdrawal operation.
Story Highlights
- Afghan evacuees had “free rein” on eight U.S. military bases despite incomplete security screening
- Evacuees could leave bases unauthorized via Uber rides, creating tracking gaps and security risks
- Biden administration used “back end” vetting instead of completing security checks before arrival
- DHS Inspector General later classified the security lapses as threats to national security
Congressional Sources Expose Base Security Failures
Rep. Mark Green of Tennessee obtained exclusive information from Fort Pickett, Virginia, revealing that Afghan evacuees had unrestricted movement throughout military facilities. Green documented that evacuees possessed “free rein of the complex” despite not completing required security vetting processes.
The Defense Department received inadequate guidance from the State Department, allowing evacuees to leave bases without commanding officer authorization or proper tracking protocols.
Officials at Fort McCoy in Wisconsin confirmed that none of the first 2,000 refugees had completed the Special Immigrant Visa process upon arrival. Base commanders warned evacuees that visa processing would halt if they left unauthorized, but these warnings proved ineffective.
The systematic breakdown in security protocols contradicted the Department of Homeland Security’s public assurances about “rigorous screening and vetting processes.”
Biden Administration’s Chaotic “Back End” Vetting Approach
Secretary of State Antony Blinken defended the administration’s decision to conduct security screening after evacuees arrived in America, stating they were “doing accountings on the back end as people arrive in the United States.”
This approach reversed traditional security protocols requiring background check completion before entry. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas claimed they were dealing with “very few” evacuees of concern, despite congressional evidence of widespread vetting failures.
The State Department’s expedited timeline prioritized speed over security, creating unprecedented vulnerabilities at eight military bases across six states. Approximately 70,000 Afghan citizens were evacuated to U.S. Defense Department locations between July and August 2021.
The administration’s humanitarian focus undermined established security procedures, leaving gaps in documentation and tracking that persisted throughout the resettlement process.
National Security Implications and Ongoing Concerns
The Department of Homeland Security Inspector General subsequently characterized the base access failures as “a threat to national security and to our local communities.” These security lapses occurred while the Taliban controlled Afghanistan and released thousands of prisoners, including potential terrorists and criminals.
The administration’s inability to maintain basic accountability measures raised serious questions about screening effectiveness and public safety protocols.
President Trump’s 2025 call for reexamining green card holders from Afghanistan reflects ongoing concerns about the withdrawal’s security failures. The Biden administration’s chaotic evacuation created long-term vulnerabilities that continue affecting immigration policy discussions.
Conservative critics correctly predicted that inadequate vetting would compromise national security, yet their warnings were dismissed by an administration prioritizing political optics over American safety.
Sources:
What is Operation Allies Welcome, which brought Afghan refugees
Withdrawal of United States Troops from Afghanistan (2020)
2020–2021 U.S. troop withdrawal from Afghanistan
