Agency that issues visas, green cards forming police force

Source: The Hill

09/04/25 4:23 PM ET


The federal agency tasked with issuing visas and green cards to immigrants will soon expand its ranks to law enforcement, adding armed officers to root out immigration fraud. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provided details about the plans Thursday after a federal rule change was finalized under Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem. It takes effect in 30 days.

“By upholding the integrity of our immigration system, we enforce the laws of this nation,” USCIS Director Joseph Edlow said in a statement. “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.”

The USCIS has operated as a separate entity from illegal immigration enforcement efforts, but the change comes amid President Trump’s sweeping crackdown on immigrants in the country illegally.

According to a news release on the shift, the USCIS will be authorized to order expedited removal and investigate civil and criminal violations of immigration laws. The USCIS also described the move as one that will allow the agency to investigate potential fraud “from start to finish,” rather than relaying information to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) or other federal agencies.

Read more: https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5486760-uscis-expands-law-enforcement/