Louisiana Police Chiefs Charged In Visa Fraud Scheme

The Associated Press reports:

Three current or former Louisiana police chiefs were arrested following a federal investigation into an alleged scheme that involved false police reports being sold to immigrants lacking permanent legal status and used to try to secure a visa, authorities said Tuesday.

The forged police reports would indicate that the immigrant was a victim of a crime, U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook [photo] said at a news conference in Baton Rouge. He said the police officials were paid $5,000 for each name they provided falsified reports for, and that there were hundreds of names.

These special visas are specifically for victims of certain crimes “who have suffered mental or physical abuse” and are “helpful to law enforcement or government officials in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity,” based on a description of the program published by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

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#BREAKING: Current and former law enforcement caught in a scheme with a Louisiana businessman to bypass immigration laws. The #FBI stands side-by-side with @USAO_WDLA, @HSINewOrleans, @IRS, @LAStatePolice and @RapidesSheriff announcing the 62-count indictment. More to come. pic.twitter.com/YeddLGRipO

— FBI New Orleans (@FBINewOrleans) July 16, 2025

Todays indictments @usao_wdla are an example of the importance and impact of our Homeland Security Task Forces, said HSI SAC Eric DeLaune. Law enforcement partnerships keep communities safer for everyone. @FBINewOrleans @IRSCI_ATLANTA @LAStatePolice @CBPSoutheast @ERONewOrleans pic.twitter.com/5iH0wl0q08

— HSI New Orleans (@HSINewOrleans) July 16, 2025