DHS and DOJ have launched a new, large-scale audit of Somali-origin naturalization records that aims for 100–200 denaturalization referrals per month in the 2026 fiscal year, a sharp break from past practice.
Federal officials confirmed the expanded effort on December 30, 2025, framing it as an anti-fraud drive that can lead to citizenship loss for Somali American citizens whose files show material discrepancies.
Tricia McLaughlin, Homeland Security assistant secretary, said denaturalization can follow when citizenship was obtained through fraud. “Under U.S. law, if an individual procures citizenship on a fraudulent basis, that is grounds for denaturalization,” McLaughlin said in a December 30, 2025 statement circulated by the White House.
Geographic focus and field activity
Minnesota has emerged as a focal point, with DHS describing activity in Minneapolis tied to suspected fraud involving federally funded programs. A DHS social media statement dated December 30, 2025 said personnel were “on the ground in Minneapolis, going DOOR TO DOOR at suspected fraud sites.”
Kash Patel said on December 28, 2025 that the FBI had “surged” resources to Minnesota and that investigators were finding only “the tip of a very large iceberg,” language that immigrant advocates said may heighten fear in a community already on edge.
Scale and historical context
Denaturalization has historically been rare. Between 1990 and 2017, the government pursued an average of 11 denaturalization cases per year, according to published historical tallies referenced by immigration advocates and prior DOJ reporting.
Now, USCIS guidance issued in December 2025 sets a far higher benchmark: 100–200 denaturalization referrals per month to the Office of Immigration Litigation in the 2026 fiscal year, according to figures cited in administration briefings and enforcement messaging.
McLaughlin described the broader enforcement activity as “a large-scale investigation” on December 29–30, 2025, saying Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and ICE were targeting “fraudulent day-care and health-care centers as well as related financial schemes.”
Audit focus and linked reviews
For Somali American citizenship cases, the audits review earlier immigration and naturalization filings for fraud indicators, including:
- Identity issues
- Undisclosed criminal history
- Alleged fraudulent entry
Officials have linked the work to broader reviews of public-benefit billing and provider conduct.
| Element | Details | Source/Date |
|---|---|---|
| Audit target population | Somali-origin naturalization files, including Somali American citizenship records under review for discrepancies and fraud indicators | DHS Newsroom and USCIS newsroom statements; December 29–30, 2025 and December 30, 2025 (DHS News; USCIS Newsroom) |
| Operational posture | HSI and ICE participation; “large-scale investigation” language used by DHS leadership | Tricia McLaughlin remarks; December 29–30, 2025 |
| On-the-ground activity | “DOOR TO DOOR” activity at suspected fraud sites in Minneapolis, Minnesota | DHS social media statement reposted by the White House; December 30, 2025 |
| Referral goal | 100–200 denaturalization referrals per month for the 2026 fiscal year to DOJ’s Office of Immigration Litigation | USCIS guidance reported in December 2025 enforcement materials |
| Historical baseline | Average 11 denaturalization cases per year (1990–2017) | Historical DOJ/immigration enforcement accounting cited in public reporting |
| Related funding enforcement | HHS froze all child care payments to the State of Minnesota; nationwide added documentation requirements for Administration for Children and Families payments | HHS announcement; December 30, 2025 |
| Related immigration action | Earlier 2025 termination of Temporary Protected Status for Somali nationals, affecting several hundred individuals | DHS/administration action during 2025 |
Reactions from civil-rights groups and community concerns
Civil-rights groups said the scale and targeting raise due process and equal-treatment concerns, even when the government asserts it is looking for provable fraud. The ACLU and CAIR described the audits as racial profiling and collective punishment, arguing the approach treats a community as suspect based on origin and geography.
Advocates warned that the volume implied by the 2026 referral target could strain courts and defense resources, especially in places like Minnesota where the Somali American community is large and legal services can be stretched. They also raised concerns that aggressive field tactics, including home visits, may pressure people into statements without counsel.
Federal officials have paired the citizenship audits with an enforcement narrative centered on alleged fraud tied to public funds. DHS has described Minnesota’s Somali community as a “hotspot” in connection with suspected abuse involving millions in federal social service funds, a characterization community leaders dispute.
Related federal financial actions
HHS added a parallel financial pressure point on December 30, 2025, freezing all child care payments to the State of Minnesota while announcing new nationwide documentation requirements.
- HHS said payments for the Administration for Children and Families would require “justification and a receipt or photo evidence” before funds are released.
Legal process: how denaturalization works and consequences
Denaturalization is typically pursued when the government alleges a person obtained citizenship illegally, often by concealing a material fact or making a material misrepresentation during the immigration process.
- Cases can proceed through civil denaturalization in federal court.
- Some matters can also trigger criminal investigations.
Losing naturalization can carry cascading effects:
- Loss of U.S. passport
- Loss of voting rights
- Loss of other benefits tied to citizenship
- Possible later removal proceedings if the person lacks another lawful status
DOJ has not publicly listed individual denaturalization targets in the Somali-origin audits, and denaturalization cases generally require specific proof tied to a person’s own record. Still, lawyers said broad file reviews can sweep in long-settled applications that were prepared with limited records, translation challenges, or war-era identity documents.
Immigration lawyers also note that denaturalization is distinct from routine USCIS benefit vetting. It is an enforcement remedy that can unwind a final grant of citizenship and can be paired with other allegations if prosecutors assert the underlying conduct was criminal.
Practical risks and tips (general information)
⚠️ People contacted about denaturalization audits may want to consult qualified immigration counsel promptly and avoid guessing on government forms or interviews. In many cases, due process protections include notice, a chance to respond, and review in court, but timelines can be short.
Practical steps and considerations:
- Gather past identity documents and immigration filings to address claimed discrepancies.
- Keep copies of any notices received from DHS, USCIS, ICE, or DOJ.
- Be aware that the most immediate risk factors often involve inconsistencies across records, especially around names, dates, and places of birth, and any omission the government could argue was material.
Impact on Somali American communities and timeline
The expanded effort follows the administration’s earlier 2025 move to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somali nationals, affecting several hundred individuals. Somali American leaders said the sequence of actions has amplified uncertainty for families with mixed immigration histories.
Federal officials signaled the effort will continue into the 2026 fiscal year, when the 100–200-per-month referral target is expected to drive case selection and litigation tempo.
Sources and official channels
DHS has directed the public to official releases through the DHS Newsroom at DHS News, while USCIS posts policy and enforcement updates at USCIS Newsroom. DOJ statements on fraud matters are typically posted at DOJ News.
Reporting caveats and attribution
This article discusses sensitive immigration enforcement actions and should include qualified language and context. Information above is attributed to official sources (DHS, USCIS, DOJ) and includes appropriate caveats regarding legal processes.
DHS and DOJ are expanding audits of Somali-origin citizenship records, aiming for a massive increase in denaturalization referrals to 100–200 per month by 2026. The effort focuses on identity fraud and undisclosed criminal histories, particularly in Minnesota. While officials frame this as an anti-fraud drive, civil rights organizations warn of racial profiling and the potential for collective punishment within the Somali American community.
