Recent revelations have exposed a staggering reality in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area: nearly half of all immigrants examined during a recent law enforcement operation were found to be engaged in immigration fraud. This is not just a statistic; it’s a wake-up call that demands immediate attention.

During this extensive operation, officers identified various types of fraud, including blatant marriage scams, visa overstays, and businesses that don’t even exist. USCIS Director Joseph B. Edlow made it clear: the findings reveal a troubling pattern of deception and exploitation of our immigration systems. This is precisely the kind of abuse that undermines the integrity of our nation.

While no specific demographic was labeled, the Twin Cities have experienced a considerable increase in Somali immigrants over recent years, with over 82,000 individuals from Somalia residing in Minnesota. This influx raises serious questions about the efficacy of our immigration policies.


US Citizenship and Immigration Services director Joseph B. Edlow discusses Operation Twin Shield.
USCIS conducted visits to 1,000 homes across Minneapolis and St. Paul in the last two weeks. USCIS

In just two weeks, USCIS agents visited 1,000 homes, uncovering evidence that “nearly 50%” were involved in immigration fraud. This is not just an isolated incident—it signifies a crisis that the American people can no longer afford to ignore.


US Citizenship and Immigration Services director Joseph B. Edlow discusses Operation Twin Shield.
These visits uncovered a serious problem in the Twin Cities. USCIS

Edlow emphasized the gravity of these findings, stating, “Our officers found indications of fraud, non-compliance, or public safety and national security concerns. What they found should shock all of America.”

Operation Twin Shield, which began on September 13 and wrapped up this week, is termed a “success” by Edlow. He underscored that similar operations could and should be implemented in cities nationwide. The intelligence collected indicated that the Twin Cities is a hotbed of immigration manipulation, making this operation a necessary step in restoring order to our immigration system.