WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a significant escalation of federal enforcement, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced Friday, May 8, 2026, that it has filed civil denaturalization actions against 12 individuals. The move is part of an aggressive push to revoke the U.S. citizenship of naturalized Americans accused of concealing serious crimes, including terrorism, war crimes, and sexual abuse.
The cases were filed in federal courts across nine states and the District of Columbia. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that the administration is moving at "record speed" to address what he described as "egregious violations" of the immigration system.
The Accusations
The 12 individuals originate from diverse backgrounds, including Iraq, Somalia, Colombia, Bolivia, and China. The DOJ alleges that each person obtained their citizenship through "willful misrepresentation" or by concealing material facts that would have disqualified them from naturalization.
Key individuals named in the filing include:
Ali Yousif Ahmed (48, Iraq): Accused of concealing his prior membership in al-Shabaab and providing material support to a terrorist group.
Oscar Alberto Pelaez (75, Colombia): A Roman Catholic priest accused of sexually abusing a minor between 1998 and 2000, a fact allegedly hidden during his application.
Kevin Robin Suarez (31, Bolivia): Alleged to have engaged in a conspiracy to traffic firearms to Latin America shortly after his 2017 naturalization.
Victor Manuel Rocha: In a separate but related move, the DOJ filed a complaint against this former American diplomat who recently admitted to acting as a clandestine agent for Cuba.
A Policy Shift in Denaturalization
Historically, denaturalization has been a rare legal maneuver. Between 1990 and 2017, the U.S. filed an average of only 11 cases per year. Today’s announcement of 12 cases in a single day signifies a dramatic shift in policy.
"Those who intentionally concealed their criminal histories or misrepresented themselves during the naturalization process will face the fullest extent of the law," Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said in a statement.
The administration has indicated that this is only the beginning. Reports suggest that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is currently reviewing hundreds of additional files, with the potential to refer up to 200 cases per month to federal prosecutors.
What Happens Next?
Denaturalization is a civil process that must be decided by a federal judge.
Legal Proceedings: The government must prove by "clear, unequivocal, and convincing" evidence that citizenship was obtained illegally.
Loss of Status: If a judge rules in favor of the DOJ, the individual’s certificate of naturalization is canceled.
Deportation Risk: Once citizenship is revoked, the individual typically reverts to "lawful permanent resident" status. However, because the underlying crimes or fraud often make them deportable, the government can then move to have them removed from the country.
Status: Cases are currently pending in federal district courts.
