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By Billal Rahman
Immigration Reporter
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Federal immigration authorities have arrested a 45-year-old man in Minneapolis, alleging he violated U.S. immigration laws by misrepresenting his citizenship status and engaging in multiple acts of fraud, according to a news release.
Morris Brown was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on January 15 as part of Operation Twin Shield, which targeted suspected immigration fraud in the Minneapolis–St. Paul area, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said.
The agency alleged that Brown overstayed his student visa and falsely claimed to be a U.S. citizen.
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In a news release detailing the arrest, DHS described Brown as having "tried every trick in the book" to remain in the United States after losing lawful status.
Why It Matters
Under federal law, false claims to U.S. citizenship and immigration fraud are grounds for removal and potential criminal prosecution. The case also raises questions about employment eligibility verification and military enlistment screening processes.
Thousands of federal agents poured into Minnesota to target suspected fraud within immigrant communities, but the investigation was quickly overshadowed after agents killed two U.S. citizens, Renée Good and Alex Pretti, in Minneapolis. White House border czar Tom Homan announced the end of the surge operation earlier this month.
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What To Know
Federal officials say Brown, a Liberian national, first entered the U.S. on a nonimmigrant student visa in 2014, which was later terminated after he failed to maintain full-time enrollment.
DHS alleges that after losing lawful status, Brown remained in the country and made repeated false claims of U.S. citizenship on official documents and in applications for immigration benefits. During a review of his citizenship application, investigators also identified alleged marriage fraud and other misrepresentations.
DHS said Brown later enlisted in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard after his visa status had lapsed. Authorities allege he went absent without official leave the following year and was discharged under conditions other than honorable.
In 2020, Brown applied for lawful permanent resident status under the Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness program, according to DHS. Authorities alleged that he did not disclose his prior military service or his earlier false claim to U.S. citizenship on that application. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services denied the application, according to the news release. In 2024, officials said, he again sought immigration benefits by applying for naturalization based on prior military service, which authorities described as another instance of fraud, per DHS.
The federal investigation also found that Brown had been employed as a corrections officer with the Minnesota Department of Corrections at a state prison in Lino Lakes, Minnesota, while allegedly misrepresenting his citizenship status.
Brown remains in ICE custody at Camp East Montana in Texas, according to the agency's detainee database.
What People Are Saying
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Joseph Edlow said in a news release: "Operation Twin Shield continues to deliver results as the Department of Homeland Security relentlessly pursues those who seek to cheat our immigration system. This alien tried every trick in the book to remain in the United States after losing legal status. We will use every tool at our disposal to ensure he faces justice for his many violations of the law."
Minnesota Department of Corrections Commissioner Paul Schnell said in a statement: "If these federal allegations are accurate, this individual engaged in sophisticated efforts to misrepresent their identity, extending well beyond Minnesota. We are grateful to USCIS and ICE for their work in investigating and addressing immigration fraud. We will continue to comply with federal law and work professionally with our federal partners."
What Happens Next
Brown is expected to face removal proceedings before an immigration judge. DHS officials said the case could also be referred for criminal prosecution related to alleged immigration fraud and false claims to U.S. citizenship.
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