DHS memo directs ICE to ramp up asylum-related fraud cases

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: CBS News

May 26, 2026 / 11:25 AM EDT


Washington — The Department of Homeland Security's top lawyer on Tuesday directed Immigration and Customs Enforcement attorneys to aggressively pursue administrative fraud cases against immigration lawyers accused of filing false asylum claims, the latest step in the administration's push to speed up removals, expand enforcement and challenge the legal infrastructure around immigration.

In a memo dated May 26 and obtained by CBS News, DHS General Counsel James Percival instructed ICE attorneys within the Office of the Principal Legal Advisor to develop "anti-fraud policies" designed for "robust enforcement" of existing federal anti-fraud law.

The memo said that any effort "should include enforcement against immigration attorneys filing false asylum claims in immigration court."

While the directive does not create new penalties, it signals that ICE lawyers will begin to use existing administrative enforcement tools more frequently to crack down not only against migrants accused of submitting fraudulent applications, but also against the lawyers who represent them.

Read more: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/dhs-memo-ice-asylum-fraud/

[underpants]

1. There probably is fraud but I'd think most lawyers who do this can't afford even being charged.

While recipients can fight the allegations before an administrative law judge, successful penalties can add up: first offenses can cost up to $4,730 for each fraudulent document or act, while subsequent offenses can reach up to $11,823 per document or act, according to the Justice Department.

The government could also seek a cease-and-desist order against certain targets. For attorneys, any fraud finding could be referred to disciplinary authorities and potentially lead to suspension or expulsion from practice before the immigration courts. In more serious cases, prosecutors might even consider criminal charges.