Minneapolis, MN — Federal authorities have uncovered what they describe as a widespread immigration fraud scheme in the Twin Cities, leading to multiple arrests and raising concerns about national security and public safety.
According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Joseph Edlow, the enforcement operation revealed “blatant marriage fraud, visa overstays, fabricated businesses, forged documents, and abuse of both the H-1B and F-1 visa systems.”
The investigation focused on the Minneapolis–St. Paul metropolitan area, home to one of the nation’s largest Somali immigrant communities, with more than 82,000 Somalians currently residing in Minnesota. The neighborhoods targeted included areas within the congressional district represented by Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN).
Widespread Fraud Allegations
Immigration officials said nearly half of the 1,000 homes inspected showed evidence of fraudulent activity. Among the cases highlighted:
- An immigrant entered into a sham marriage with an elderly American, who was later subjected to elder abuse and exploitation.
- Another individual admitted to faking a Kenyan death certificate for $100 in an attempt to dissolve his marriage, despite his wife—mother of their five children—still living in Minneapolis.
- A separate case involved a woman who confessed to marriage fraud only hours after insisting her relationship was legitimate.
- USCIS also identified the son of a suspected terrorist who overstayed his visa and was denied benefits due to fraudulent claims.
Federal Officials Respond
Director Edlow praised the coordination between federal field offices and agents, saying Minneapolis was chosen because investigators already had “a sense of what’s going on” and could “start addressing red flags” in immigration cases.
“What has been uncovered in less than two weeks is only the tip of the iceberg,” Edlow said. “Immigration fraud is not just a paperwork issue—it’s a threat to our national security and public safety, and something we must take seriously.”
Broader Context
The sweep comes amid long-running political debates over immigration policy, with Minnesota frequently cited in national discussions due to its large East African immigrant population. Officials indicated that further investigations and arrests are likely as federal agencies continue to probe the scope of fraud in the region.
