The United States of America has commenced the revocation of refugee status for Somalis over alleged widespread immigration fraud, a statement on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website read. 

The Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services recently launched ‘Operation PARRIS’ in Minnesota. The operation is a sweeping initiative reexamining thousands of refugee cases through new background checks and intensive verification of refugee claims. 

Immigration-related fraud and other crimes are now being reported to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).  

The operation began with an initial focus on Minnesota’s 5,600 refugees who have not yet been given lawful permanent resident status (Green Cards). 

The USCIS’ newly established vetting centre is leading Operation PARRIS (Post-Admission Refugee Reverification and Integrity Strengthening), with adjudicators conducting thorough background checks, reinterviews, and merit reviews of refugee claims. 

“Minnesota is ground zero for the war on fraud,” a DHS spokesperson said, adding that the operation in Minnesota “demonstrates that the Trump administration will not stand idly by as the U.S. immigration system is weaponised by those seeking to defraud the American people. American citizens and the rule of law come first, always.”

Operation PARRIS is part of a broader strategy to implement enhanced screening standards under Executive Order 14161 and Presidential Proclamation 10949. It began in December 2025 and is now referring cases to ICE.

The executive order requires federal agencies to identify and implement new vetting enhancements to safeguard America from foreign terrorists and other public safety threats.

The USCIS’ operation in Minnesota builds upon the success of ‘Operation Twin Shield,’ a recent investigation that uncovered widespread immigration fraud in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area.