USCIS Announces Rule Change to Asylum System to Reduce Backlog

Source: US Department of Homeland Security – Please note, there is an Important Disclaimer at the bottom of this statement.

lass=”text-align-center”>With this rule, USCIS can refer asylum applications to Immigration Judges without interviewing the alien
WASHINGTON – The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the following statement after U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a rule change designed to reduce the backlog in the asylum system.
Currently, both USCIS and Department of Justice (DOJ) Immigration Judges adjudicate applications for asylum: USCIS adjudicates “affirmative” asylum applications for aliens who are not in removal proceedings, while Immigration Judges adjudicate “defensive” asylum applications for aliens who are in removal proceedings. Depending on the alien’s immigration status, USCIS will usually either adjudicate the application or refer it to an Immigration Judge, who will then conduct a new review of the application. This essentially allows an alien to get a second chance at asylum.
The interim final rule allows USCIS to refer asylum applications to Immigration Judges without first interviewing the alien. This rule will shorten the total time that it takes asylum officers and Immigration Judges to adjudicate asylum applications. Among other reasons, USCIS is making this change to reduce the asylum backlog.
“For far too long the asylum system has been exploited for purposes of delay and work authorization, not legitimate claims of protection,” said USCIS Director Joseph Edlow. “America’s asylum system exists to protect individuals who genuinely fear persecution and this rule will help ensure that resources are directed to the timely adjudication of those claims instead of to those seeking to use the system as a loophole.”
“One of the greatest barriers to effective immigration enforcement is intentional delay by illegal aliens and the open borders attorneys who represent them,” said DHS General Counsel James Percival. “My office works every day with the immigration components of DHS to improve efficiency and fulfill the President’s mandate. The rule would do just that.”
The new rule will go into effect immediately. USCIS will accept public comments and later issue a final rule responding to those comments.
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Disclaimer: This is a statement from the US Department of Homeland Security. The claims made in support of US ICE and claims of guilt against immigrants to the USA may or may not be accurate. What is accurate is that the US Department of Homeland Security and/or ICE have asserted views contained in this statement that could potentially be politically motivated, and it is possible that crimes detailed as fact by the USDHS and or ICE are actually alleged and may not have been tested in a court of law. As such these claims are not necessarily supported or endorsed by MIL-OSI and its clients. However, MIL-OSI can assert that this statement is an accurate record of what the US Department of Homeland Security and or ICE has released on its website and to media.

Pennsylvania Woman Sentenced to Prison in FEMA Crackdown on Disaster Assistance Fraud

Source: US Department of Homeland Security – Please note, there is an Important Disclaimer at the bottom of this statement.

Anyone who defrauds American taxpayers will face the consequences
WASHINGTON – The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the following statement after a Pennsylvania woman was sentenced to five years in prison for a scheme to defraud the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the wake of Hurricane Ida.
On January 28, 2026, the woman from Plymouth Meeting was sentenced after pleading guilty in September to 32 charges – including 24 counts of wire fraud, 7 counts of mail fraud, and one count of fraud related to a major disaster declaration – amounting to more than $1.7 million.
The Trump Administration is taking aggressive action to root out fraud and protect taxpayer dollars, ensuring disaster assistance reaches only those who truly need it. As part of this commitment, FEMA and DHS are working with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and federal and local partners to investigate fraud and hold offenders accountable.
“Under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Mullin, FEMA is rooting out fraud of disaster aid,” said Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. “We are protecting taxpayer dollars and making sure disaster assistance goes to those who truly need it. Anyone who tries to steal from survivors will be caught and held accountable.”
Taking funds meant for disaster survivors is a serious crime. In Fiscal Year 2025, FEMA investigated over 1,700 fraud cases. FEMA refers suspected fraud in its Individual Assistance program to the DHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) and other law enforcement partners for investigation and potential prosecution, including cases involving organized criminal activity.
President Trump’s Executive Order 14395 established the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, bringing together federal agencies to coordinate a national strategy to stop fraud, waste, and abuse in federal benefit programs. FEMA is fully engaged in strengthening eligibility verification, enhancing pre-payment controls, and ensuring disaster assistance is delivered quickly and securely to eligible survivors.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General, with assistance from FEMA Fraud Prevention and Investigations, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ruth Mandelbaum and S. Chandler Harris.
If you suspect fraud, report it to the DHS Office of Inspector General at https://www.oig.dhs.gov/hotline or FEMA’s Fraud Investigations and Inspections Division at StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov.
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Disclaimer: This is a statement from the US Department of Homeland Security. The claims made in support of US ICE and claims of guilt against immigrants to the USA may or may not be accurate. What is accurate is that the US Department of Homeland Security and/or ICE have asserted views contained in this statement that could potentially be politically motivated, and it is possible that crimes detailed as fact by the USDHS and or ICE are actually alleged and may not have been tested in a court of law. As such these claims are not necessarily supported or endorsed by MIL-OSI and its clients. However, MIL-OSI can assert that this statement is an accurate record of what the US Department of Homeland Security and or ICE has released on its website and to media.

DHS Celebrates Record-Breaking Success of FIFA World Cup 2026

Source: US Department of Homeland Security – Please note, there is an Important Disclaimer at the bottom of this statement.

Thanks to President Trump’s vision and leadership, DHS delivered a safe FIFA World Cup 2026™ and showcased for the world American greatness
WASHINGTON – In what is regarded as the largest sporting event in history, FIFA World Cup 2026™ showcased American exceptionalism for the whole world to see, shattering records in the process. The Department of Homeland Security was instrumental in this success, working with its components, interagency partners, and state and local law enforcement to deliver a safe and secure tournament for American and international visitors alike.
“In one of the most complex security environments we’ve faced, DHS and our components helped deliver a safe and secure tournament while showcasing American exceptionalism. I want to thank the state and local law enforcement agencies across the country, as well as our federal partners, who worked around the clock to help keep millions of fans and visitors safe,” said Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin. “Watching this tournament unfold and seeing the coordination behind the scenes has been extraordinary. Thank you, President Trump, for bringing this vision to life and showcasing America to the world.”
Securing FIFA World Cup 2026™ required a whole-of-DHS effort that included: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Secret Service (USSS), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), Science and Technology Directorate (S&T), the Office of Intelligence and Analysis, Office of Homeland Security Situational Awareness (OSA), Office of Health Security (OHS), and Federal Protective Service (FPS).
DHS and its partners worked around the clock to make FIFA World Cup 2026™ the safest and most successful World Cup in history. Through 38 days of competition on U.S. soil and 78 matches complete, there were no major security incidents at any stadium or FIFA Fan Festival in the U.S.
DHS’ success in securing FIFA World Cup 2026™ included:

Combined, DHS and FBI seized more than 700 unauthorized drones.
CBP’s Air and Marine Operations flew 50+ air missions over stadiums and host cities.
CBP completed more than 19,000 inspections of vehicles headed into stadiums and fan festivals.
CBP seized more than 473,000 counterfeit FIFA World Cup merchandise items, with an estimated genuine retail value totaling more than $33 million.
673+ criminal arrests on human trafficking charges, with 61 adults and 13 minors rescued by ICE and HSI.
HSI intellectual property rights (IPR) enforcement efforts resulted in 48 arrests and 164 seizures related to FIFA World Cup counterfeit goods, which included over 530K items worth over $85 million MSRP.

FIFA World Cup 2026™, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, marked the first time in the tournament’s history the format expanded from 32 to 48 teams. In total, the tournament spanned 39 days and consisted of 104 matches across the three host nations.
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Disclaimer: This is a statement from the US Department of Homeland Security. The claims made in support of US ICE and claims of guilt against immigrants to the USA may or may not be accurate. What is accurate is that the US Department of Homeland Security and/or ICE have asserted views contained in this statement that could potentially be politically motivated, and it is possible that crimes detailed as fact by the USDHS and or ICE are actually alleged and may not have been tested in a court of law. As such these claims are not necessarily supported or endorsed by MIL-OSI and its clients. However, MIL-OSI can assert that this statement is an accurate record of what the US Department of Homeland Security and or ICE has released on its website and to media.

DHS and Department of Justice Announce Move to Revoke U.S. Citizenship from 10 Naturalized Criminals Including Child Molesters, Scammers, and Drug Dealers

Source: US Department of Homeland Security – Please note, there is an Important Disclaimer at the bottom of this statement.

The Trump Administration continues the largest denaturalization effort ever
WASHINGTON – The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS), alongside the Department of Justice (DOJ), announced denaturalization actions in various U.S. district courts against 10 individuals accused of serious offenses—including sexual abuse of a child, health care and wire fraud, immigration fraud, and conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine. The complaints were filed over the last 30 days.
Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, a naturalized U.S. citizen’s citizenship may be revoked, and certificate of naturalization canceled, if the naturalization was illegally procured or procured by concealment of a material fact or by willful misrepresentation.
“When you commit fraud during the naturalization process, you forfeit the right to keep your U.S. citizenship,” said DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin. “These criminal aliens, comprised of drug traffickers, pedophiles, and fraudsters, lost that right and exploited our immigration system—harming real U.S. citizens. DHS is committed to ensuring we denaturalize and remove these fraudsters with every tool at our disposal.”
“These ten criminal aliens — including child sex abusers, a nearly $900,000 Medicare fraudster, and a cocaine trafficker — lied their way into U.S. citizenship,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Each of these individuals lacked the good moral character required by law and procured citizenship through willful misrepresentations and concealment of their crimes. Under President Trump’s leadership, this Department of Justice will continue to aggressively pursue denaturalization to restore integrity to America’s naturalization process.”
“We refuse to give a free pass to criminals who cheated their way into American citizenship,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Under this administration, if you defrauded the naturalization process, you will face the full force of the Justice Department. We’ve only scratched the surface — many more complaints are coming.”
1. Yoskmaikel Rodriguez Perez (Age 45/Cuba): Rodriguez Perez, a native of Cuba, became a lawful permanent resident in 2004 and naturalized as a U.S. citizen in 2018.  Before obtaining citizenship, however, Rodriguez Perez operated a purported medical clinic and submitted false and fraudulent claims to Medicare in excess of $886,694.  Rodriguez Perez concealed this criminal conduct throughout the naturalization process and provided false testimony under oath to a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer.  Rodriguez Perez later pleaded guilty and was convicted of conspiracy to commit healthcare and wire fraud.  On June 18, 2026, the United States filed a four-count denaturalization action in the Southern District of Florida.  The complaint alleges that Rodriguez Perez illegally procured his citizenship because he lacked the good moral character required for naturalization given his crime of moral turpitude, unlawful acts, and false testimony under oath during the naturalization process; and because he procured U.S. citizenship through the concealment of material facts and willful misrepresentations.
2. Ceflo Luviano-Mojica (Age 60/Mexico): On July 14, 2026, the United States brought a denaturalization action against Ceflo Luviano-Mojica, a native of Mexico, who misrepresented his prior arrest for Carrying a Concealed Firearm and for Grand Theft, for which he spent 30 days in jail. In 1998, Luviano pleaded guilty and was convicted in the Northern District of Georgia of, inter alia, Providing False Information in a Naturalization Application, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1015.  Luviano admitted he had made a false statement both on his naturalization application and during his interview, when he testified under oath that he had never been arrested, charged, or imprisoned for breaking or violating any law.  The United States filed a two-count denaturalization action in the Northern District of Georgia alleging that Luviano illegally procured his citizenship by lacking the good moral character required for naturalization and procuring U.S. citizenship through the concealment of material facts and willful misrepresentations.
3. Urbano Vazquez Ortega (Age 53/Mexico): On July 10, 2026, the United States brought a denaturalization action against Urbano Vazquez Ortega, who sexually assaulted children while employed as a priest in a Washington, D.C. church. Mr. Vazquez Ortega is a native of Mexico and was naturalized as a U.S. citizen on July 11, 2017. Mr. Vazquez Ortega was charged with, and convicted in the Superior Court for the District of Columbia of multiple counts of Second-Degree Child Sexual Abuse. Between 2015 to 2017, Mr. Vazquez Ortega touched the breasts, genitalia, and buttocks of his victims and in one instance thrusted his tongue into the mouth of a minor female victim. In 2019, Mr. Vazquez Ortega was sentenced to fifteen years in prison and is presently incarcerated. The United States filed a five-count complaint against Mr. Vazquez Ortega to revoke his naturalized citizenship as he committed these crimes before, during, and after his naturalization as a U.S. citizen.
4. Murtaza Ali (Age 65/Pakistan): Ali is a native of Pakistan who filed multiple applications for immigration benefits under different aliases until he obtained a grant of an immigration benefit under the alias “Muhammad Iqbal.”  Ali, through the grant of the immigration benefit, obtained permanent residency under the alias “Muhammad Iqbal” and thereafter naturalized under this alias in 2009.  Following Ali’s naturalization, a fingerprint expert determined that the fingerprints provided with immigration benefits applications filed under the names “Mortaza Ali” and “Muhammad Iqbal” were made by the same person.  As a result, the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas charged Ali with making False Material Statements to an Agency of the United States in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001.  In 2014, Ali pleaded guilty as charged, admitting that he had filed three separate applications for immigration benefits using three different identities.  On July 14, 2026, the United States filed a four-count denaturalization action in the Northern District of Texas alleging that Ali procured his citizenship by committing immigration fraud, engaging in unlawful acts that reflect adversely on his moral character, providing false testimony under oath during the naturalization process, and procuring citizenship through the concealment of material facts and willful misrepresentations.
5. Jimmy Aguero (Age 51/Peru): Mr. Aguero repeatedly sexually abused his minor stepdaughter prior to naturalizing as a U.S. citizen on October 6, 2015. A jury found Aguero guilty on EIGHT counts of the sexual abuse of a minor, and he was sentenced to ten years of imprisonment. The Department of Justice filed a complaint alleging that Mr. Aguero was statutorily barred from showing that he was a person of good moral character because of his convictions.  The Department also alleged that he procured his naturalization by concealment of material facts.
6. Antonio Alcantara-Ruiz (Age 53/Mexico): On June 23, 2026, the United States brought a denaturalization action against Antonio Alcantara-Ruiz, a/k/a Emiliano Quintana-Gonzalez, a/k/a Antonio Quinn Alcantara, who misrepresented his identity to secure citizenship. Prior to the naturalization process, Alcantara purchased identity documents from a fellow Mexican citizen and used those documents to secure a replacement permanent resident card which contained Alcantara-Ruiz’s picture and fingerprint. Alcantara-Ruiz then used the false documents in support of his naturalization. The United States filed a 4-count complaint against Alcantara-Ruiz seeking to cancel his naturalized citizenship.
7. Omar Cantu-Montalvo (Age 44/Mexico): Cantu-Montalvo was admitted to the United States in March 1996 and subsequently obtained permanent residence. When he applied to naturalize in July 2005, Mr. Cantu-Montalvo stated in his application that he had never committed a crime or offense for which he had not been arrested. He later repeated that claim during his naturalization interview. His application was approved, and he naturalized in December 2005. In April 2016, however, Mr. Cantu-Montalvo pleaded guilty in federal district court to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine—a conspiracy he joined in April 2005, just a few months before he applied for naturalization. For his crime, the court sentenced Mr. Cantu-Montalvo to 100 months of imprisonment followed by a five-year term of supervised release. On June 15, 2026, the United States filed a complaint seeking to revoke Mr. Cantu-Montalvo’s citizenship because he illegally procured his citizenship as he was unable to demonstrate good moral character in light of his commission of a controlled substance offense. Additionally, Mr. Cantu-Montalvo is subject to denaturalization because he willfully misrepresented or concealed his offense while seeking United States citizenship.
8. Franscisco Montano (Age 59/Mexico): Montano was legally admitted to the United States in February of 1987, but when he applied to naturalize in 1997, Montano failed to divulge that he had sexual abused a child during the mandatory five-year good moral character period prior to the naturalization process. Montano was later convicted in a Texas State court of two counts of Aggravated Sexual assault and four counts of Indecency with a Child that occurred during the five-year period. As Montano should not have been naturalized, the United States filed a complaint on June 30 in the Southern District of Texas to revoke his illegally-obtained citizenship.
9. Marcin Stanislaw Garbacz (Age 47/Poland): Garbacz, a native of Poland and former Roman Catholic priest, became a lawful permanent resident in 2008 and naturalized as a U.S. citizen in 2014. Before obtaining citizenship, Garbacz engaged in a scheme to steal approximately $259,696 in cash collections from three parishes within the Diocese of Rapid City, South Dakota. Garbacz also secretly recorded a 17-year-old showering during a church trip to Poland. Garbacz concealed this criminal conduct throughout the naturalization process. Garbacz was later convicted of multiple federal offenses, including wire fraud, making and subscribing a false tax return, and engaging in illicit sexual conduct in a foreign place involving a minor. On July 6, 2026, the United States filed a four-count denaturalization action in the Western District of Washington alleging that Garbacz illegally procured his citizenship by lacking the good moral character required for naturalization, providing false testimony under oath during the naturalization process, and procuring U.S. citizenship through the concealment of material facts and willful misrepresentations.
10. Martin Garcia Cardiel (Age 60/Mexico): On July 6, 2026, the United States filed a Complaint in the District of Utah seeking the denaturalization of Martin Garcia Cardiel. Garcia Cardiel was admitted to the United States in December 2000 and subsequently obtained permanent residence. When he applied to naturalize in 2011, Mr. Garcia Cardiel wrote in his application that he had never committed a crime for which he had not been arrested. He further indicated in his application that he had never given false or misleading information to any United States government official while applying for any immigration benefit. He naturalized in October 2011. However, in 2022, a petit jury in the State of Utah convicted Mr. Garcia Cardiel of NINETEEN counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a child based on acts the defendant committed in 2007. Evidence at trial indicated that the two victims were his neighbors, sisters who were 7 and 8 years old when the abuse began. Garcia Cardiel was sentenced to consecutive terms of imprisonment of 15 years to life.
These complaints were filed in the Southern District of Florida, Northern District of Georgia, Southern District of Iowa, District of Maryland, Western District of Pennsylvania, Northern District of Texas, Southern District of Texas, Southern District of Texas, District of Utah, and Western District of Washington.
The claims made in the complaints are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
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Disclaimer: This is a statement from the US Department of Homeland Security. The claims made in support of US ICE and claims of guilt against immigrants to the USA may or may not be accurate. What is accurate is that the US Department of Homeland Security and/or ICE have asserted views contained in this statement that could potentially be politically motivated, and it is possible that crimes detailed as fact by the USDHS and or ICE are actually alleged and may not have been tested in a court of law. As such these claims are not necessarily supported or endorsed by MIL-OSI and its clients. However, MIL-OSI can assert that this statement is an accurate record of what the US Department of Homeland Security and or ICE has released on its website and to media.

DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin Sends Letters to Secretaries of State Warning About Non-Citizens on Voter Rolls

Source: US Department of Homeland Security – Please note, there is an Important Disclaimer at the bottom of this statement.

ASHINGTON – The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin sent letters to the secretaries of state in four states warning them about tens of thousands of non-citizens who are illegally on the states’ voter rolls.
Secretary Mullin sent letters to California Secretary of State Shirley Weber, New Jersey Secretary of State Dale Caldwell, Nevada Secretary of State Francisco Aguilar, and Pennsylvania Secretary of State Al Schmidt.
“Election security is national security,” said DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin. “As President Trump announced last night, DHS has identified over 250,000 potential non-citizens illegally registered to vote in just 4 U.S. states. Only Americans should be electing American leaders.”
Through preliminary reviews of the four states’ records, DHS found that there may be as many as:

190,832 non-citizens registered to vote in California.
35,152 non-citizens registered to vote in New Jersey.
15,903 non-citizens registered to vote in Nevada.
14,576 non-citizens registered to vote in Pennsylvania.

Secretary Mullin called on the secretaries of state to respond within two weeks and confirm their intentions to collaborate with DHS in order to ensure free, fair, and honest elections.
In recent weeks, DHS has taken additional steps to safeguard the integrity and security of American elections. These measures include:

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Disclaimer: This is a statement from the US Department of Homeland Security. The claims made in support of US ICE and claims of guilt against immigrants to the USA may or may not be accurate. What is accurate is that the US Department of Homeland Security and/or ICE have asserted views contained in this statement that could potentially be politically motivated, and it is possible that crimes detailed as fact by the USDHS and or ICE are actually alleged and may not have been tested in a court of law. As such these claims are not necessarily supported or endorsed by MIL-OSI and its clients. However, MIL-OSI can assert that this statement is an accurate record of what the US Department of Homeland Security and or ICE has released on its website and to media.

Trump Administration Issues Final Rule to End Foreign Student Visa Abuse

Source: US Department of Homeland Security – Please note, there is an Important Disclaimer at the bottom of this statement.

Student visa extensions are only available with rigorous vetting
WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the publication of a final rule that officially eliminates the “duration of status” loophole that allowed foreign students, exchange visitors, and media representatives to remain in the United States indefinitely without routine government oversight.
The new regulation establishes a fixed period of admission for nonimmigrant visa holders in F, J, and I classifications. This decisive shift restores integrity to the nation’s immigration system, combats rampant visa abuse, and strengthens national security through regular vetting.  A fixed period of admission is currently in place for many other types of nonimmigrant visas.
“For nearly half a century, the outdated ‘duration of status’ system has compromised national security and created an environment ripe for immigration fraud,” said DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin. “For decades, foreign students have been admitted into the U.S. indefinitely, allowing thousands to abuse our immigration system by perpetually enrolling in courses to avoid having to leave the U.S. By implementing clear, finite limits on these visas, the United States is reclaiming its ability to properly screen, vet, and monitor individuals within our borders. This final rule ensures that foreign students remain focused on their primary purpose: completing their studies and returning home.”
Since 1978, foreign students have been admitted into the U.S. for an unspecified period, enabling thousands to become “forever students” by perpetually enrolling in courses to avoid departure. The final rule ends this exploitation through several major reforms:

Fixed Admission Caps: Nonimmigrant students (F visas) and exchange visitors (J visas) will be admitted for the length of their specific program, not to exceed a maximum period of four years.
Mandatory Federal Extensions: Visa holders requiring additional time to complete an academic program must formally apply for an Extension of Stay (EOS) directly through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This transitions oversight from university staff back to federal authorities and subjects applicants to biometric vetting, background checks, and fraud screenings.
Reduced Departure Grace Period: The time allowed for F-1 students to prepare for departure, transfer schools, or change status following graduation is reduced from 60 days to 30 days.
Program Change Restrictions: The rule introduces strict limitations on academic changes.

The final rule will publish in the Federal Register in the next few days. The rule will go into effect 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.
Current nonimmigrant visa holders residing in the United States under the previous “duration of status” framework will transition to the new system automatically, with their authorized stay capped at a maximum of four years from the effective date of this rule.
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) acts as the bridge between the federal government and the international student community. SEVP is managed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a component of the Department of Homeland Security. On behalf of DHS, SEVP manages schools, nonimmigrant students in the F and M visa classifications, and their dependents. SEVP uses the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System to track and monitor schools, exchange visitor programs, and international students while they visit the United States and participate in the U.S. education system.
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Disclaimer: This is a statement from the US Department of Homeland Security. The claims made in support of US ICE and claims of guilt against immigrants to the USA may or may not be accurate. What is accurate is that the US Department of Homeland Security and/or ICE have asserted views contained in this statement that could potentially be politically motivated, and it is possible that crimes detailed as fact by the USDHS and or ICE are actually alleged and may not have been tested in a court of law. As such these claims are not necessarily supported or endorsed by MIL-OSI and its clients. However, MIL-OSI can assert that this statement is an accurate record of what the US Department of Homeland Security and or ICE has released on its website and to media.

Trump Administration Delivers 14 Straight Months of Zero Releases at the Border

Source: US Department of Homeland Security – Please note, there is an Important Disclaimer at the bottom of this statement.

ASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced 14 consecutive months of zero releases at the border, continuing the unprecedented trend of historically low border crossings.
“Another month of historically low illegal border crossings demonstrates the success of President Trump’s border security policies,” said DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin. “Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, we went from the worst border crisis in history to 14 straight months of ZERO releases at the border. Our border is CLOSED to lawbreakers.”
The sustained decline in illegal border crossings and apprehensions—now at levels not seen in over three decades—shows the profound impact of robust enforcement policies. With daily apprehensions down 94% from the previous administration, the border remains more secure than at any point in history.
“As I have said many times, leadership and policy matter. When laws are enforced, fewer people will break the law. Under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Mullin, CBP is fully enforcing our immigration and border security laws. CBP has established meaningful border security resulting in sustained deterrence of illegal crossings. I am proud to report yet another decline in illegal border crossings this month,” said CBP Commissioner Rodney S. Scott. “CBP is preventing dangerous criminal aliens and illicit narcotics from entering our communities, enhancing the safety of every American for generations to come.”
Below is a snapshot of June’s key figures. Full monthly reporting can be viewed on CBP’s Stats and Summaries webpage.
Border Enforcement at Historic Levels
Illegal crossings in June remained historically low:

CBP’s encounters decreased in June: Nationwide, CBP’s encounters in June (31,626) were 4% lower than May. The U.S. Border Patrol’s nationwide apprehensions (11,396) were also 4% lower than last month.
Southwest border apprehensions 94% lower than under Biden: The U.S. Border Patrol’s apprehensions along the southwest border in June (9,848) were 94% lower than the monthly average of the Biden administration, 96% below its peak (December 2023), and less than what was apprehended in 4 days in June 2024.
Fiscal year to date apprehensions historically low: Border Patrol apprehensions along the southwest border this fiscal year through June are 14% lower than just one month on average from FYs 1992 through 2024.

Drug Interdictions That Save Lives
CBP remains on the frontline against drug smuggling, seizing dangerous narcotics before they reach American communities.

June seizures 49% higher than under Biden: Nationwide in June, seizures of cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, and marijuana (combined, by weight) increased 49% from June 2024.
Fiscal year drug seizures 57% higher than under Biden: CBP has seized 57% more drugs this fiscal year through June than it seized during the same period of FY 2024.
Fentanyl seizures up: Fentanyl seizures increased 42% from May 2026, with 1,072 pounds seized in June 2026.
Heroin seizures up: Heroin seizures increased 49% from May 2026, with 68 pounds seized in June 2026.
Cocaine seizures soar: Cocaine seizures increased 71% from May 2026, with 6,242 pounds seized in June 2026.

Additional CBP drug seizure statistics can be found on the Drug Seizure Statistics webpage. 
Trade and Tariff Enforcement
CBP plays a central role in enforcing U.S. trade law and supporting economic security.

$330 billion in imports processed in June 2026.
$22.9 billion in duties identified for collection.

Protecting Consumers and Supply Chains
CBP continues to safeguard the American economy by targeting forced labor and counterfeit goods.

In June, CBP stopped 372 shipments valued at more than $38 million for potential forced labor violations.
CBP seized a quantity of nearly 2 million counterfeit goods valued at over $1.4 billion.

Agriculture Stats/Seizures – Securing American Agriculture
In May, CBP agriculture specialists helped protect America’s agriculture, natural resources, and economic prosperity.

CBP issued 5,677 emergency action notifications for restricted and prohibited plant and animal products.
CBP conducted 104,014 positive passenger inspections and issued 748 civil penalties and/or violations to the traveling public for failing to declare prohibited agriculture items.

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Disclaimer: This is a statement from the US Department of Homeland Security. The claims made in support of US ICE and claims of guilt against immigrants to the USA may or may not be accurate. What is accurate is that the US Department of Homeland Security and/or ICE have asserted views contained in this statement that could potentially be politically motivated, and it is possible that crimes detailed as fact by the USDHS and or ICE are actually alleged and may not have been tested in a court of law. As such these claims are not necessarily supported or endorsed by MIL-OSI and its clients. However, MIL-OSI can assert that this statement is an accurate record of what the US Department of Homeland Security and or ICE has released on its website and to media.

DHS Requires States to Adopt Common-Sense Election Security Measures Before Receiving Federal Funds

Source: US Department of Homeland Security – Please note, there is an Important Disclaimer at the bottom of this statement.

Protecting the nation’s critical infrastructure – including election security – is a top priority for President Trump and Secretary Mullin
WASHINGTON – The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is taking decisive action to safeguard the integrity of American elections.
Threats to election systems are constantly evolving. This week, FEMA published the funding opportunity for the Homeland Security Grant Program, making over $1 billion of taxpayer funds available to state, Tribal Nations, territorial, and local governments. Before receiving award funds, states and other recipients must take critical, common-sense steps to protect U.S. elections.
“Election security is national security and protecting the Nation’s critical infrastructure is a top priority,” said DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin. “Under President Trump’s leadership, we are taking decisive action to protect election systems from threats like foreign interference, insider threats, and cyberattacks. These new requirements for homeland security grant recipients will preserve election integrity and ensure that Americans can trust the results.”
To strengthen election security, the Department of Homeland Security is requiring all grant recipients to take several key actions:

First, states must submit a plan for transitioning away from unsecure electronic voting systems that use bar codes and QR codes to count votes and instead use equipment that accepts hand-marked paper ballots. This change helps create a necessary and reliable paper trail, making it easier to verify results and detect any irregularities.
Second, after each federal election, states must conduct a manual audit of at least 5% of all ballots cast. This common-sense process involves physically reviewing a random selection of ballots to confirm that the machine reported results match results on the paper ballots. This will ensure accuracy and detect any machine errors or manipulation.
Third, states are required to reconcile the number of voters who participated in each federal election with the number of ballots cast. This step ensures that the number of ballots cast matches the number of voters, a common-sense step that will help jurisdictions identify discrepancies prior to certification.
Fourth, within 120 days of accepting the grant award, states must use the reliable and free U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) system to verify the citizenship status of everyone listed in the state voter registration database. This measure helps ensure that only eligible citizens are registered to vote.

[To the extent that the functionality of the SAVE system has been impacted by the June 22, 2026 order in the League of Women Voters v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Civ. Action No. 25-3501, while on appeal, for any person who is registered to vote but for whom a State does not have records of citizenship, the State may resolve this uncertainty by submitting relevant information to USCIS for an immigration records search consistent with the requirements of 8 U.S.C. § 1373.]

Finally, states must also use the SAVE system, or another authorized government system, to verify the citizenship of anyone working at polling places or operating election systems. This requirement applies to all individuals involved in the administration of elections, further protecting the process from potential vulnerabilities.

FEMA will withhold 20% of the grant recipient’s total HSGP award until they submit proof of compliance with these requirements and the Department verifies that proof. Eligible applicants are encouraged to review the full Notice of Funding Opportunity for more information on the requirements and the process for submitting proof of compliance.
FEMA’s grant programs are voluntary. State, Tribal Nations, territorial, and local governments must apply to receive federal funding and agree to follow the grant’s terms and conditions. Any recipient of federal funding should expect accountability for how taxpayer dollars are spent.
The Trump Administration is committed to ensuring that states, Tribal Nations, territories, local governments, and all recipients of federal funds are actively contributing to the security and integrity of our elections by implementing these common-sense measures.
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Disclaimer: This is a statement from the US Department of Homeland Security. The claims made in support of US ICE and claims of guilt against immigrants to the USA may or may not be accurate. What is accurate is that the US Department of Homeland Security and/or ICE have asserted views contained in this statement that could potentially be politically motivated, and it is possible that crimes detailed as fact by the USDHS and or ICE are actually alleged and may not have been tested in a court of law. As such these claims are not necessarily supported or endorsed by MIL-OSI and its clients. However, MIL-OSI can assert that this statement is an accurate record of what the US Department of Homeland Security and or ICE has released on its website and to media.

DHS Signs Memorandum of Cooperation Strengthening Border Security and Immigration Vetting with Partners in the Caribbean

Source: US Department of Homeland Security – Please note, there is an Important Disclaimer at the bottom of this statement.

ASHINGTON – The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) enabling a Biometric Data Sharing Partnership (BDSP) with Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS). 
On July 10, 2026, the MOC was signed in Washington, D.C. by Rob Law, Under Secretary of Strategy, Policy, & Plans (PLCY) for DHS, and Lieutenant Colonel Michael Jones, Executive Director for CARICOM IMPACS. The Ambassador of Saint Kitts and Nevis hosted the signing ceremony with attendees from Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB). Representatives from the U.S. Homeland Security Council (HSC) and the U.S. Department of State also attended the ceremony.
“The signing of this memorandum of cooperation marks DHS’s first multilateral biometric information-sharing arrangement,” said Under Secretary Rob Law. “This will strengthen cooperation between DHS and CARICOM IMPACS on border security and immigration vetting. DHS welcomes this new partnership to strengthen security across the region.”
The MOC establishes a framework for automated queries and exchanges of data to support screening, vetting, and investigation of individuals who may pose security or immigration risks to the United States and CARICOM Member States and Associate Members.
Further, the MOC addresses the Eastern Caribbean’s Citizenship-by-Investment (CBI) programs. U.S. Presidential Proclamation 10998 states that purchased citizenship can be used to bypass travel restrictions or conceal identity and assets; as such, it imposes certain visa restrictions on Citizenship-by-Investment nationals. Information shared through the BDSP program strengthens vetting practices and addresses some of the risks identified in the Proclamation, while leaving visa and 212(f) authorities unchanged.
DHS and CARICOM IMPACS aim to operationalize the BDSP MOC by the end of the calendar year.
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Disclaimer: This is a statement from the US Department of Homeland Security. The claims made in support of US ICE and claims of guilt against immigrants to the USA may or may not be accurate. What is accurate is that the US Department of Homeland Security and/or ICE have asserted views contained in this statement that could potentially be politically motivated, and it is possible that crimes detailed as fact by the USDHS and or ICE are actually alleged and may not have been tested in a court of law. As such these claims are not necessarily supported or endorsed by MIL-OSI and its clients. However, MIL-OSI can assert that this statement is an accurate record of what the US Department of Homeland Security and or ICE has released on its website and to media.

ICE Arrests Alien in New Jersey Who Illegally Voted in Federal Elections

Source: US Department of Homeland Security – Please note, there is an Important Disclaimer at the bottom of this statement.

This alien from Slovakia illegally registered to vote and voted in the 2022 elections
WASHINGTON – The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the following statement after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) arrested an alien who illegally registered and voted in New Jersey.
On July 1, HSI New Jersey, in cooperation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), arrested Marian Charitun, a citizen of Slovakia residing in the United States as a green card holder.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, Charitun registered to vote in New Jersey, falsely declaring that he was a United States citizen, and then voted in the 2022 general election, which included an election for the U.S. House of Representatives. He then went on to apply for U.S. citizenship, filing paperwork with USCIS claiming to have never registered to vote or to have voted in any federal, state, or local elections.
Charitun now faces charges of illegally voting in a federal election and making false statements while applying for U.S. citizenship.
“This alien from Slovakia illegally voted in American elections, and then lied about it when he tried to apply for citizenship,” said Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. “He now faces federal charges of illegally voting in a federal election and making false statements. Our message to aliens who vote in American elections is clear: we will find you, arrest you, and you will face the consequences, including criminal charges and deportation. Only Americans should be electing American leaders.”
This HSI-led case was brought under the United States Attorney’s Office’s Election Integrity Task Force, a coalition of federal law enforcement partners focused on preserving and protecting the integrity of elections conducted in the District of New Jersey.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin D. Bleiberg of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division.
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Disclaimer: This is a statement from the US Department of Homeland Security. The claims made in support of US ICE and claims of guilt against immigrants to the USA may or may not be accurate. What is accurate is that the US Department of Homeland Security and/or ICE have asserted views contained in this statement that could potentially be politically motivated, and it is possible that crimes detailed as fact by the USDHS and or ICE are actually alleged and may not have been tested in a court of law. As such these claims are not necessarily supported or endorsed by MIL-OSI and its clients. However, MIL-OSI can assert that this statement is an accurate record of what the US Department of Homeland Security and or ICE has released on its website and to media.