In a large-scale immigration enforcement operation for the first time, three federal agencies in the United States carried out investigations in Minnesota, uncovering 275 cases of immigration fraud within a span of ten days.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) collaborated on a “Operation Dual Shield” from September 19th to 28th in Minneapolis-Saint Paul and surrounding areas. They probed into marriage-based immigration, family-based immigration, work permit applications, and certain parole-related applications suspected of fraud.
According to a statement released by the U.S. Immigration Agency on Tuesday, they scrutinized over 1000 cases with signs of fraud or disqualification. After conducting more than 900 on-site visits and interviews, evidence was found in 275 cases indicating fraud, violations, or involvement in public or national security concerns.
As of Tuesday, the U.S. Immigration Agency has issued Notices to Appear (NTA) to individuals involved in 42 cases or transferred foreign citizens to ICE, with 4 individuals having been arrested.
The agency stated that the “Operation Dual Shield” exposed numerous instances of falsification. For example, a foreign national confessed to forging a death certificate from Kenya, spending $100 to falsely claim that their marriage had ended. In reality, their spouse was still alive and residing in Minneapolis, being the mother of five children.
In one case, a foreign individual, identified as or suspected to be the son of a terrorist, overstayed their visa and was found to be involved in marriage fraud, leading to the rejection of multiple immigration benefit applications.
In another case, an applicant admitted to marriage fraud to officials of the “Operation Dual Shield,” which occurred just hours after she swore under oath about the truth and validity of her marriage during an interview at the Minneapolis office.
In yet another case, a foreign individual engaged in marriage fraud with an elderly American as their spouse, while also subjecting and exploiting their partner to abuse.
The U.S. Immigration Agency stated that “immigration fraud undermines the integrity of the legal immigration system, harms the interests of law-abiding citizens, and poses threats to national security and public safety. Under President Trump’s leadership, we will spare no effort in combating fraudulent activities.”