USCIS Highlights Twin Shield Surge in Minneapolis Fraud Cases

(MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL METRO AREA) U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), working with the FBI and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), carried out Operation Twin Shield across Minneapolis-St. Paul from September 19 to 28, 2025, in a focused push against suspected immigration fraud. The targeted review examined more than 1,000 cases flagged for possible fraud or ineligibility and identified 275 cases of suspected fraud, USCIS said.

From those, 42 cases were referred to ICE, and four people were arrested. As of publication, no one has been formally charged, and the investigation is ongoing.

What the operation involved

Officials described the surge—characterized by USCIS Director Joseph Edlow as a “first-of-its-kind” effort in one metro area—as aimed at protecting the integrity of the immigration system while responding to clear risk indicators.

Key activities included:

• Over 900 site visits and in-person interviews
• Targeted review of files with fraud markers such as inconsistent records, missing evidence, or known false-claim patterns
• Coordination with federal partners (FBI and ICE) to escalate cases when warranted

Agents reported finding fraud or non-compliance in 44% of cases interviewed. USCIS said it expects additional referrals to ICE and Notices to Appear (NTAs) for removal proceedings as follow-up work continues.

Headline results

• Cases reviewed: Over 1,000
• Suspected fraud: 275
• Referrals to ICE: 42
• Arrests: 4 (no charges yet)
• Site visits/interviews: 900+
• Fraud or non-compliance found in interviews: 44%

A suspected fraud finding is not the same as a criminal conviction. Administrative findings can lead to denials, NTAs, or other civil actions; criminal charges require separate standards and coordination with prosecutors. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

USCIS framed the surge as part of a broader push tied to Executive Order 14161, which focuses on national security and public safety by addressing immigration fraud. The agency said officers now have more tools to verify claims and escalate cases quickly when they see fraud or serious non-compliance. This represents a policy emphasis on front-end fraud detection and more field work to check claims early.

Types of fraud alleged and harms identified

USCIS said the cases under scrutiny included:

• Alleged sham marriages, including at least one case involving the exploitation of an elderly U.S. citizen
• Fabricated documents, such as false death certificates used to claim a marriage had ended
• Other attempts to misstate facts in visa and status filings

Officials noted these findings highlight how immigration fraud can harm U.S. citizens and lawful applicants and strain limited government resources.

Impact on applicants, families, and employers

For the Twin Cities immigrant community, the sweep is a reminder that both honest errors and intentional fraud can derail cases.

• In marriage-based filings, officers may verify how couples live, share finances, and communicate.
• When evidence does not align, USCIS may schedule interviews, conduct site visits, or request more documents.
• Site checks and in-person interviews were central to Operation Twin Shield’s validation process.

Applicants with pending cases in Minneapolis-St. Paul should expect routine processing to continue, but those with fraud indicators may face extra scrutiny.

• If you receive a Request for Evidence (RFE) or a Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID), respond by the deadline with clear, consistent documentation.
• If ICE takes over a case, the person may receive an NTA for immigration court.
• Legal counsel can help families understand options, build a record, and prepare for hearings.

Community groups note the sweep also affects U.S. citizens who may have been misled by bad actors or are now asked to prove a bona fide marriage. Advocates urge caution with anyone promising quick results or guaranteed approvals.

For employers, USCIS’s findings are a warning about document fraud and status violations. Employers should:

• Keep careful records
• Follow verification rules
• Seek advice when questions arise

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, focused operations like this can ripple beyond one metro area by prompting closer review of similar case patterns elsewhere. USCIS has already said Minneapolis-St. Paul is the first site for this model and that other cities may be targeted in the future.

Purpose and concerns

USCIS framed Operation Twin Shield as both a deterrent and a calibration exercise:

• By concentrating resources, the agency can test investigative approaches, measure results, and adjust training.
• Director Edlow said the government has a responsibility to keep the process honest for those who follow the rules.

At the same time, lawful applicants worry that aggressive crackdowns may slow approvals or create fear in mixed-status communities. USCIS said its aim is to focus on fraud and ineligibility indicators—not to penalize people who made small mistakes or need help completing forms. The agency encouraged the public to report suspected fraud to help protect the system for everyone.

Operation Twin Shield unfolded against a broader push to tighten checks on identity and eligibility across benefit types. While the operation did not announce changes to forms or filing steps, it spotlighted the role of field work—home visits, interviews, and record checks—in confirming claims.

USCIS said it expects more ICE referrals and NTAs as officers work through follow-up leads.

Where to find official information

Readers can find official information on USCIS fraud detection efforts, reporting channels, and case vetting tools on the agency’s website at USCIS Fraud Detection and National Security. The page explains how officers assess risk, coordinate with federal partners, and safeguard records. While that page does not speak to specific local operations, it gives the most direct window into how fraud screening fits into day-to-day case work.

Ongoing investigation and next steps

USCIS did not release names of the four individuals arrested or details of the pending ICE referrals, citing the active investigation. Officials reiterated that no charges have been filed at this time.

The agency will continue to review cases tied to Operation Twin Shield and make more referrals where warranted.

For people filing now in Minneapolis-St. Paul: tell the truth, keep consistent records, and respond quickly if USCIS asks for more proof.
For those harmed by scams—from sham marriages to fake documents—law enforcement wants tips. For families and employers following the rules, officials say that strong fraud checks help keep the system fair so legitimate cases can move ahead without interference from false claims.