The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has been granted new authority to hire armed agents capable of making arrests related to immigration fraud. This significant change was announced on September 5, 2025, allowing USCIS to tackle issues like document forgery for visas and green cards more effectively.
USCIS will establish a special cadre of agents who will have the power to carry firearms, conduct searches, and arrest individuals suspected of violating immigration laws. This includes not only immigrants but also attorneys who may be implicated in fraudulent activities. USCIS Director Joseph Edlow described this move as a "historic moment" for the agency, emphasizing its commitment to combatting immigration crimes and enhancing national security.
This shift marks a notable expansion of USCIS"s role, which traditionally focused on processing applications for citizenship and green cards. The agency"s new powers come at a time when immigration enforcement is under intense scrutiny, with various related coverage highlighting ongoing debates about the balance between security and humane treatment of immigrants.
As USCIS prepares to implement these changes, the implications for immigrant communities and legal practitioners are significant. The agency"s ability to investigate and act on fraud allegations could lead to increased scrutiny and potential arrests, raising concerns about the broader impact on immigration dynamics across the country. For more on similar situations, see our previous reports on immigration enforcement actions.
