BOISE, Idaho — The U.S. refugee system has faced major disruptions over the last year, and new federal restrictions issued just last week are now affecting families here in the Treasure Valley.

The latest changes follow a November ambush-style shooting in Washington, D.C., in which one National Guard member was killed and another wounded. An Afghan man has been charged in the case. In response, the federal government placed additional limits on Afghan immigration processing as part of a broader national security review.

WATCH | Idaho families navigate new delays under tightened federal refugee rules

Idaho families feel effects of new refugee restrictions after D.C. shooting

Under the new restrictions, most new visas for Afghan nationals are on hold. Many immigration and family-reunification cases have been paused, and federal review of pending cases has tightened.

This is not the first major federal policy shift to impact refugees this year.

In January, all U.S. refugee admissions were halted nationwide, immediately affecting families in Idaho who were preparing to reunite with loved ones.

Holly Beech, communications manager with the Idaho Office for Refugees, said the sudden pause triggered an immediate wave of disruptions for families across the state.

“People in Idaho who had loved ones very close, had those flight dates on the calendar, and then those got canceled,” Beech said.

Later in June, the broad shutdown shifted to a country-specific travel ban, restricting travel from 19 nations, including Afghanistan, Iran, and Somalia.

“And people were no longer able to get those visas for their loved ones to come here,” Beech added.

Beech said the deadly shooting in Washington, D.C., has continued to ripple through refugee communities nationwide and right here in Idaho.

RELATED | West Boise YMCA creates special swimming lessons for refugees with special challenges around water

“That kind of violence should never happen to anybody,” Beech said. “So now, due to that, the whole group is having to carry the weight of what one individual did. None of us would want to be held responsible for the actions of somebody else.”

For families already living in Idaho, Beech said even routine legal steps toward permanent residency have stalled under the new restrictions.

“Some people have been waiting over a year to get their green card,” explained Beech.

And for others still separated from family members overseas, the future remains uncertain.

“Any hope of that is in limbo right now,” Beech said.

Federal officials say the pauses and restrictions are part of a broader national security review.

For now, most Afghan visa and immigration processing remains largely on hold.

NEW PLYMOUTH, Idaho (KIVI) — 28 horses died, and two people suffered injuries as a result of a large barn fire on Little Road in New Plymouth.

According to a press release from the New Plymouth Fire Protection Department, crews responded to reports of a barn fire at 6:44 a.m. on Sunday, December 7.

Upon arrival, the barn was engulfed in flames, and roughly 40 firefighters worked to bring the fire under control.

Twenty-eight horses died from the fire, and two employees of the property were treated on scene for their injuries. The employees were then transported by Payette County Paramedics for smoke inhalation. The press release states that no firefighters were injured in the incident.

Crews with Sand Hollow, Fruitland, Gem County #1, Parma, Nyssa, and Payette fire departments all aided in fire efforts.

Chief Joseph Wyatt of the New Plymouth Fire Protection District commented on the crews’ firefighting efforts during this incident as well as in previous situations:

“Over the past several weeks, the New Plymouth Fire Protection District has been extremely busy. Our crews have been responding to back-to-back calls—structure fires, medicals, and everything in between. It has pushed all of us hard, and our firefighters have answered every call with professionalism, dedication, and heart. To our New Plymouth firefighters: thank you. Your commitment, long hours, and willingness to drop everything for this community is the foundation of our district. I am proud of each and every one of you. Your service does not go unnoticed, and neither does the support of your families who stand behind you. We also want to extend a sincere thank-you to our neighboring departments and mutual-aid partners, and all agencies who responded alongside us—your teamwork and support during our busiest moments make all the difference. We are stronger because we stand together. I could not ask for a better crew or better partners. Thank you to everyone who continues to support our mission and this community. We are proud to serve New Plymouth District, and even more proud of the people who make this work possible.”

The barn fire is under investigation by the Idaho State Fire Marshal’s Office.