Minnesota Corrections Officer Arrested in Immigration Fraud Case

MINNEAPOLIS — Federal immigration authorities have announced the arrest of a Minnesota corrections officer accused of multiple violations of U.S. immigration law, following an investigation tied to a broader enforcement effort in the Minneapolis–St. Paul region.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, the arrest stems from Operation Twin Shield, an initiative launched to identify and investigate suspected immigration benefit fraud. Officials say the individual, identified as Morris Brown, 45, a Liberian national, was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on January 15, 2026.

Authorities allege Brown overstayed a student visa and made false claims to U.S. citizenship while residing and working in the United States.

Background of the Investigation

Federal agencies state that Brown most recently entered the U.S. in 2014 under a non-immigrant student visa. Government officials say the visa was terminated in 2015 after he allegedly failed to maintain enrollment requirements.

Despite the termination of his visa status, investigators claim Brown remained in the country. During subsequent reviews of immigration records, authorities allege he later sought lawful permanent residency through the Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness (LRIF) program in 2020.

USCIS officials report that the application was denied, citing alleged inconsistencies and misrepresentations within the submitted materials.

Military Service Questions Raised

Federal authorities also allege Brown enlisted in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard in 2014 but was later listed as absent without leave (AWOL). Officials say he was ultimately discharged under other than honorable conditions in 2022.

Investigators contend that aspects of Brown’s prior military history became relevant during later immigration-related filings.

Additional Fraud Allegations

In 2024, authorities say Brown filed an application for U.S. naturalization. During the review process connected to Operation Twin Shield, USCIS investigators report uncovering evidence suggesting additional alleged violations, including:

• False claims to U.S. citizenship

• Suspected marriage-related immigration fraud

• Alleged misrepresentations in official documents

Officials further allege Brown obtained employment as a Minnesota corrections officer by representing himself as a U.S. citizen.

Government Response

USCIS Director Joseph Edlow, in a statement released by DHS, emphasized the agency’s focus on immigration system integrity and fraud enforcement.

Brown now faces removal proceedings, and authorities indicate that criminal prosecution related to immigration fraud and false claims to citizenship remains possible.

As with all such cases, allegations outlined by authorities have not been adjudicated in court, and the accused is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Reporting Immigration Benefit Fraud

Federal officials encourage individuals with information about suspected immigration benefit fraud to submit tips through official USCIS reporting channels.

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