The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has uncovered widespread immigration fraud in Minnesota’s Twin Cities during an investigation known as Operation Twin Shield. According to officials, nearly 50% of immigrants in the Minneapolis–St. Paul area were found to have committed some form of immigration-related fraud.

US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Joseph B. Edlow announced the findings on October 1, highlighting the variety of violations officers encountered.

“Officers encountered blatant marriage fraud, visa overstay, people claiming to work at businesses that can’t be found, forged documents, abuse of the H1B visa system, abuse of the F1 visa, and many other discrepancies,” Edlow stated.

The sweep revealed systemic issues, ranging from fabricated employment claims to falsified documents, raising concerns about loopholes in the U.S. immigration system. Federal officials emphasized that such fraud undermines the integrity of legal immigration pathways and puts additional strain on government resources.

Authorities have not yet released the exact number of individuals charged but confirmed that investigations remain ongoing. DHS stated that it will continue monitoring, auditing, and prosecuting fraudulent activity in order to protect national security and ensure fairness for lawful immigrants.