Trump Team Dismantles Major Immigration Scam [WATCH]

The Trump administration announced the takedown of a large marriage fraud network aimed at securing immigration benefits for illegal aliens, according to a Friday press release from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

The operation, involving collaboration between USCIS and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), represents the latest move by the administration to combat abuse within the U.S. immigration system.

Federal authorities uncovered what they described as a “sophisticated network of individuals” who recruited and groomed American citizens to enter into fraudulent marriages with foreign nationals.

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The marriages were used to unlawfully obtain immigration benefits for individuals who otherwise would not have qualified.

“Some marriages are made in heaven. Some are just made up,” said USCIS spokesperson Matthew Tragesser in a statement to the Daily Caller News Foundation (DCNF).

“Our work with ICE in this investigation dismantled a major marriage fraud ring where U.S. citizens were paid to marry illegal aliens,” Tragesser said.

“These criminals are now behind bars, reaffirming President Trump and [Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s] commitment to restoring integrity in our immigration system.”

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The investigation, dubbed “Operation Bargain Bride,” resulted in federal charges against four individuals in the Maryland area.

According to authorities, the organizers charged non-citizen clients between $20,000 and $40,000 per arranged marriage, accumulating an estimated $4 million in illicit proceeds.

“These arrests marked a critical milestone in our broader effort to dismantle a criminal network undermining our nation’s immigration laws,” said Michael McCarthy, Special Agent in Charge for ICE Baltimore, during a press conference Friday.

McCarthy reported that investigators uncovered more than 100 cases where immigration benefits were fraudulently sought through these arranged marriages. USCIS has already denied more than 100 petitions and applications connected to the fraudulent marriages.

In addition to the organizers, federal agents arrested 10 foreign nationals on Thursday who are accused of knowingly participating in the marriage fraud schemes.

“Let me be clear, this is not a victimless crime,” McCarthy said.

“Marriage fraud compromises the integrity of our immigration system, it diverts critical resources and it erodes public trust.”

The operation was a joint effort led by Homeland Security Investigations Maryland and USCIS, with additional support from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland.

Authorities indicated the investigation remains active and that they continue to pursue additional individuals involved in the conspiracy.

“Fraudulent marriages should never lead to U.S. citizenship,” Tragesser emphasized in his remarks to the DCNF.

The Trump administration has consistently made immigration enforcement a central focus of its domestic policy agenda, with particular emphasis on securing the border, addressing visa overstays, and rooting out fraud within the immigration system.

Operation Bargain Bride highlights ongoing efforts to close loopholes and protect the integrity of U.S. immigration processes.

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