By Gonzalez Olivieri, on Immigration Updates
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) launched Operation PARRIS in Minnesota on January 9, 2026. The operation implements enhanced screening standards under Executive Order 14161 and Presidential Proclamation 10949.
This initiative also reexamines thousands of refugee cases through new background checks and intensive verification of refugee claims. The enhanced vetting is due to a recent investigation that has allegedly uncovered widespread immigration fraud in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area.
The operation initially focuses on approximately 5,600 refugees in Minnesota who have not yet obtained lawful permanent resident status (green cards). Cases involving suspected fraud or other crimes are being referred to ICE for potential removal proceedings.
A prior investigation conducted in September 2025 found evidence of fraud, non-compliance, or public safety concerns in 275 cases out of approximately 1,000 cases reviewed—a 44 percent fraud rate among cases interviewed by DHS. That earlier operation uncovered various fraudulent schemes including marriage fraud, fake death certificates, and forged documents in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. USCIS Director Joseph B. Edlow has stated: “Immigration fraud undermines the integrity of our lawful immigration system, harms those who follow the law, and poses risks to national security and public safety. Under President Trump, we will leave no stone unturned.”
For more information on this, and other immigration matters, contact the attorneys at Gonzalez Olivieri LLC today.
Reference:
USCIS’ efforts in Minnesota build on the success of “Operation Twin Shield,” USCIS Announces Results of Operation Twin Shield, a Large-Scale Immigration Fraud Investigation, U.S. CITIZENSHIP & IMMIGR. SERVS.,https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/uscis-announces-results-of-operation-twin-shield-a-large-scale-immigration-fraud-investigation
