DHS operation nets Minnesota prison guard who allegedly claimed US citizenship to join military
A Minnesota corrections officer, Morris Brown, was arrested for immigration violations after allegedly falsely claiming U.S. citizenship and overstaying his visa.
Morris Brown, a 45-year-old corrections officer in Minnesota, was arrested by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on January 15 for multiple immigration violations. Authorities reported that Brown, originally from Liberia, overstayed his student visa and falsely claimed to be a U.S. citizen in his efforts to remain in the country. His arrest was part of a larger initiative called Operation Twin Shield, which aims to target individuals suspected of committing immigration fraud.
The operation was noted for its focus on identifying individuals who attempt to exploit the U.S. immigration system. USCIS Director Joseph Edlow emphasized that these actions demonstrate the commitment of the DHS to enforce immigration laws and pursue those who are trying to cheat the system. Brown's case exemplifies ongoing concerns regarding immigration compliance and the integrity of the U.S. military, as he had previously attempted to join the Pennsylvania National Guard while being AWOL.
This incident comes amid a broader context of increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities in Minnesota, where there have been significant arrests, including individuals with serious criminal backgrounds. The emphasis on enforcement actions like Operation Twin Shield indicates a sustained focus by federal agencies on immigration enforcement, which has been a contentious element of U.S. policy discussions in recent years.