The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in the United States has initiated an investigation in Minnesota and is coordinating operations with other federal agencies investigating fraudulent use of federal funds in various areas.
DHS and its sub-agency, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), announced the launch of “Operation PARRIS” in Minnesota last Friday (January 9, 2025). This operation aims to review refugee cases that have led to immigration settlement in the state, combating fraud in refugee applications.
Minnesota’s welfare fraud cases have recently gained national attention, with dozens of individuals in the state being indicted or convicted for involvement in welfare fraud. A viral video has even alleged that some childcare centers may have misused hundreds of millions of dollars in welfare funds.
PARRIS stands for “Post-Admission Refugee Reverification and Integrity Strengthening.”
According to the announcement, this large-scale operation, which commenced last month, is deemed “milestone-worthy.” The operation will first target 5,600 refugees in Minnesota who have not yet obtained legal permanent resident status (green card).
The review center established by USCIS is leading this operation, with reviewers conducting thorough background checks on refugee applications, reinterviewing green card applicants, and reassessing current refugee applications.
A DHS spokesperson stated, “Minnesota is at the forefront of the battle against fraud. This operation in Minnesota underscores that the Trump administration will not turn a blind eye when the U.S. immigration system is weaponized by those attempting to defraud the American people. American citizens and the rule of law are always top priorities.”
In December 2025, federal prosecutors noted that over half of the approximately $18 billion in federal funds supporting 14 programs in Minnesota since 2018 may have been embezzled. Many of the programs where persons are defendants involve services for children, housing, and autism services operated by Somali Americans.
As of now, they have begun transferring discovered fraudulent activities and other criminal cases to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
This operation is carried out in accordance with Executive Order No. 14161 and Presidential Proclamation No. 10949, reinforcing the implementation of inspection and protection measures to safeguard the nation from foreign terrorists threats and other public safety hazards.
Prior to this operation, USCIS successfully completed an investigative operation called “Operation Twin Shield” in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area last September, uncovering widespread immigration fraud.
USCIS Director Joseph Edlow revealed during a press conference on September 30 last year that fraudulent practices varied, including obtaining status through sham marriages, overstaying visas, fabricating employment with nonexistent companies, forging documents, misusing H-1B work visas, and exploiting F1 student visas.
The announcement on January 9 stated that the Department of Homeland Security will continue to rigorously scrutinize all foreigners, root out fraudulent activities, and ensure the safety of all American citizens.
Since the current administration took office, the State Department has also enhanced security measures by revoking a total of 85,000 visas across different categories. Reasons for visa revocations include DUIs, assaults, and theft, which the State Department deems as security threats.
Amid the expanding scale of fraud cases in Minnesota, the Health and Human Services Department (HHS) announced that the Administration for Children and Families will temporarily suspend federal grants to Minnesota and other states until further oversight is conducted.
Officials of the Trump administration have announced plans to investigate other potential fraud areas. The President stated on January 6 that California will be the next target.
The President claimed on social media that the number of fraud cases in the “Golden State” may exceed that of Minnesota.