Since last April federal authorities have conducted a program to expose fraud by migrants pretending that they are related to one another. Typically adults bringing minors with them claim to be the youngsters’ parents in order to remain in the U.S.
This program, the Family Fraud Initiative, recently reported the findings of its investigations so far:
- 238 fraudulent families identified;
- 329 false documents seized that were used to support fraudulent claims;
- more than 350 individuals federally prosecuted for various crimes, including human smuggling, making false statements, conspiracy, and illegal re-entry after removal; and
- 50 individuals identified who have fraudulently claimed to be unaccompanied minors.
The program also found that transnational criminal organizations are increasingly involved in this fraud.
Read more at ice.gov