Former National Guardsman Arrested After Citizenship Fraud Probe

Federal authorities allege the man misrepresented his immigration status and made false claims of U.S. citizenship.

Feb. 24, 2026 at 9:07am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Federal immigration authorities have arrested a 45-year-old man in Minneapolis, alleging he violated U.S. immigration laws by misrepresenting his citizenship status and engaging in multiple acts of fraud. Morris Brown, a Liberian national, is accused of overstaying his student visa, falsely claiming to be a U.S. citizen, and enlisting in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard after his visa status had lapsed.

Why it matters

Under federal law, false claims to U.S. citizenship and immigration fraud are grounds for removal and potential criminal prosecution. The case also raises questions about employment eligibility verification and military enlistment screening processes.

The details

DHS alleges that after losing lawful status, Brown remained in the country and made repeated false claims of U.S. citizenship on official documents and in applications for immigration benefits. During a review of his citizenship application, investigators also identified alleged marriage fraud and other misrepresentations. DHS said Brown later enlisted in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard after his visa status had lapsed and was discharged under conditions other than honorable. The federal investigation also found that Brown had been employed as a corrections officer with the Minnesota Department of Corrections while allegedly misrepresenting his citizenship status.

  • Brown first entered the U.S. on a nonimmigrant student visa in 2014, which was later terminated after he failed to maintain full-time enrollment.
  • In 2020, Brown applied for lawful permanent resident status under the Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness program, which was denied.
  • In 2024, Brown applied for naturalization based on prior military service, which authorities described as another instance of fraud.

The players

Morris Brown

A 45-year-old Liberian national who is accused of overstaying his student visa, falsely claiming to be a U.S. citizen, and enlisting in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard after his visa status had lapsed.

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

The federal agency that denied Brown's application for lawful permanent resident status in 2020.

Minnesota Department of Corrections

The state agency that employed Brown as a corrections officer while he allegedly misrepresented his citizenship status.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Operation Twin Shield continues to deliver results as the Department of Homeland Security relentlessly pursues those who seek to cheat our immigration system. This alien tried every trick in the book to remain in the United States after losing legal status. We will use every tool at our disposal to ensure he faces justice for his many violations of the law.”

— Joseph Edlow, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Director

“If these federal allegations are accurate, this individual engaged in sophisticated efforts to misrepresent their identity, extending well beyond Minnesota. We are grateful to USCIS and ICE for their work in investigating and addressing immigration fraud. We will continue to comply with federal law and work professionally with our federal partners.”

— Paul Schnell, Minnesota Department of Corrections Commissioner

What’s next

Brown is expected to face removal proceedings before an immigration judge. DHS officials said the case could also be referred for criminal prosecution related to alleged immigration fraud and false claims to U.S. citizenship.

The takeaway

This case highlights the federal government's crackdown on immigration fraud and the consequences individuals can face for misrepresenting their citizenship status, including potential removal and criminal charges. It also raises concerns about the vetting processes for military enlistment and state employment.