USCIS will deploy armed special agents to directly investigate immigration fraud, expanding its law enforcement role under new DHS regulations.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced new regulations creating a special agent unit with authority to carry guns, execute search warrants, and make arrests, placing the agency alongside federal law enforcement bodies such as the FBI and DEA.
Joseph Edlow, USCIS director, said the move marks a “historic moment” for the agency, which has long served as a gatekeeper against fraud in legal immigration but previously referred cases to other agencies. “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,” he said.
The Department of Homeland Security said the change aligns with President Trump’s executive order to better leverage resources. Officials noted the new role will allow ICE to concentrate on interior enforcement and criminal networks, while USCIS tackles fraud cases directly. Special agents will undergo training comparable to ICE and CBP personnel.