U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), in partnership with ICE and the FBI, recently completed Operation Twin Shield, a targeted enforcement operation against immigration fraud. Conducted in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area from September 19 to 28, 2025, the initiative scrutinized over 1,000 cases and discovered suspected fraud in 275 of them. This breaking immigration fraud news reveals the scale of deception uncovered by USCIS during Operation Twin Shield in Minneapolis–Saint Paul.
This massive effort focused on individuals and petitioners applying for immigration benefits who fit certain risk profiles. Areas of investigation included family and marriage-based petitions, employment authorization, and specific parole requests.
In-Person Interviews Reveal Widespread Violations
USCIS officers carried out over 900 in-person interviews. This uncovered that nearly 44% of the cases reviewed contained signs of fraud, non-compliance, or threats to public safety. The revelations include some of the most concerning forms of immigration deception seen in recent years.
Examples of Immigration Fraud Identified
Some of the most striking fraudulent activities discovered during the operation included:
- Falsified death certificates, such as a fake one from Kenya, used to end a marriage fraudulently.
- Sham marriages involving people connected to suspected terrorist networks.
- Manipulative marriages that exploited elderly U.S. citizens for immigration benefits.
Legal Consequences and Immediate Action
As of now, USCIS has issued Notices to Appear (NTAs) or referred cases to ICE in 42 situations. Four individuals have already been apprehended. Officials expect that more NTAs and legal actions will follow as investigations progress.
As immigration fraud news continues to make headlines, federal agencies are stepping up efforts. They plan and are working to expose fake marriages, false documents, and other scams.
Why Operation Twin Shield Matters to Immigration Applicants
Immigration fraud doesn’t just affect the perpetrators—it shakes the entire system. Individuals submitting false documents or misrepresenting facts risk having their benefits denied. They may face removal from the U.S., or get a criminal charge. This operation underscores the importance of honesty and accuracy in every immigration application.
How to Stay Protected
If you’re an immigration applicant or sponsor, it’s more critical than ever to confirm your information. Those with concerns about their cases or facing accusations of fraud should seek help immediately from a qualified immigration attorney.
Contact Shepelsky Law Group for Help
If this immigration fraud news concerns you or affects your case, contact an experienced immigration attorney to protect your legal status.
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For more tips on staying safe, read our guide on avoiding immigration scams during the holidays.