“The 9-11 tragedy identified how critically important it is for us to screen, track and enforce the student visa program in the United States,” said David M. Marwell, special agent in charge of HSI Dallas.
Forty immigration status violators, visa overstays and foreign students were arrested for violating the conditions of their nonimmigrant visas during a 12-day operation ending Friday by special agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
The 21 men and 19 women were arrested by HSI’s Counterterrorism and Criminal Exploitation Unit (CTCEU), part of a national program designed to prevent terrorists and other criminals from exploiting the nation’s immigration system. CTCEU also reviews the immigration status of known and suspected terrorists, combats criminal exploitation of the student and exchange visitor visa program, and leverages HSI’s investigative expertise to identify national security threats.
“The 9-11 tragedy identified how critically important it is for us to screen, track and enforce the student visa program in the United States,” said David M. Marwell, special agent in charge of HSI Dallas. “Maintaining the integrity of the student visa program is a significant segment of maintaining national security.” Marwell oversees 128 counties in north Texas and the state of Oklahoma.
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