US immigration agency hires armed agents for first time in immigration fraud crackdown

The Department of Homeland Security has authorized US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to have armed agents for the first time in history. USCIS is the agency under DHS that issues visas and green cards to immigrants legally traveling to the US.

USCIS said in a press release about the policy change on Thursday, "US Citizenship and Immigration Services is now authorized to expand its law enforcement authorities and newly-minted USCIS 1811 classified officers (commonly known as special agents) will be empowered to investigate, arrest, and present for prosecution those who violate America’s immigration laws under a final rule published today."

The rule allows for USCIS to have specially designated agents that can carry firearms, make arrests, and execute search warrants, something that has not been the case before. The agency plans to train up several hundred agents who will be able to identify fraud for immigration applications and other related crimes.

“USCIS has always been an enforcement agency. By upholding the integrity of our immigration system, we enforce the laws of this nation. As Secretary Noem delegated lawful authorities to expand the agency’s law enforcement capabilities, this rule allows us to fulfill our critical mission. This historic moment will better address immigration crimes, hold those that perpetrate immigration fraud accountable, and act as a force multiplier for DHS and our federal law enforcement partners, including the Joint Terrorism Task Force,” said USCIS Director Joseph B. Edlow.

In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Edlow stated that he does not think the changes will impact most immigrants making good-faith requests from the US government concerning immigration, but that it will deter fraudulent requests.

“I’m not expecting this to have a chilling effect on applications,” Edlow said. “I’m expecting this to have a chilling effect on fraudulent applications, and that’s what I want.” He added that ICE does not always have the capacity to make the arrests when USCIS has previously identified fraud. He plans to start with 200 agents over the next few months.