The Trump administration dismantled a major marriage fraud operation that raked in millions of dollars attempting to give immigration benefits to illegal migrants.
Federal immigration authorities uncovered a “sophisticated network of individuals” who recruited, enticed and groomed American citizens into bogus marriages with foreign nationals in order for them to illegally obtain immigration benefits, according to a Friday press announcement by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The major bust marked the Trump administration’s latest efforts to stop illegal migrants from taking advantage of the U.S. immigration system.
“Some marriages are made in heaven. Some are just made up,” USCIS spokesperson Matthew Tragesser told the Daily Caller News Foundation.
“Our work with ICE in this investigation dismantled a major marriage fraud ring where U.S. citizens were paid to marry illegal aliens,” Tragesser said to the DCNF. “These fraudsters are now walking out in handcuffs, reaffirming President Trump and [Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s] commitment to restoring integrity in our immigration system.”
Arrest. Image provided by USCIS.
Dubbed “Operation Bargain Bride,” federal law enforcement officials in March charged four individuals tied to the large-scale conspiracy in the Maryland area, according to USCIS. The individuals allegedly charged non-citizen clients anywhere from $20,000 to $40,000 per marriage union, generating an estimated $4 million in illicit proceeds.
“These arrests marked a critical milestone in our broader effort to dismantle a criminal network undermining our nation’s immigration laws,” Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy said during the Friday press conference.
McCarthy added that investigators identified more than 100 cases in which immigration benefits were sought via allegedly fraudulent marriages. So far, USCIS has denied more than 100 petitions and applications filed by or on behalf of foreign nationals.
On Thursday, federal agents arrested 10 foreign nationals who allegedly “knowingly participated” in these marriage fraud schemes.
“Let me be clear, this is not a victimless crime,” McCarthy continued. “Marriage fraud compromises the integrity of our immigration system, it diverts critical resources and it erodes public trust.”
Homeland Security Investigations. Image courtesy of USCIS.
Operation Bargain Bride was conducted as a joint operation between Homeland Security Investigations Maryland and USCIS, with support from the U.S. Attorney’s Office from the District of Maryland. McCarthy said the investigation remains ongoing, and that they are continuing to pursue all those allegedly involved in the sophisticated marriage fraud scheme.
“Fraudulent marriages should never lead to U.S. citizenship,” Tragesser said to the DCNF.
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