Trump team targets 17 individuals in new campaign to revoke naturalized citizenship

On Monday, June 8, 2026, the U.S. Justice Department declared its intention to revoke the citizenship of 17 naturalized individuals. 

Federal prosecutors initiated these denaturalization actions in various U.S. District Courts as part of an intensified effort to combat immigration fraud during the Trump administration.

The U.S. Department of Justice asserts that the individuals in question committed serious offenses or concealed prior criminal activities during their naturalization process. The specific allegations include:

  - Sexual abuse of a minor

 - Healthcare fraud and conspiracy

 - Illicit drug trafficking

 - Immigration fraud through false statements on official applications.

Historically, denaturalization is a rare occurrence and cannot be executed unilaterally by the president or immigration services.

Federal Court Mandate: The government is required to file a civil lawsuit in federal court.

Judicial Ruling Required: A federal judge must evaluate the evidence and issue the final ruling.

High Burden of Proof: Prosecutors are tasked with demonstrating that the individual acquired citizenship unlawfully or intentionally misrepresented a significant fact during the application process.

  

Reports from American news organizations indicate that this marks the most significant concentrated denaturalization initiative in decades. The administration had previously sought to denaturalize a dozen individuals in May 2026. 

Government officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, assert that the policy is aimed at those who have exploited the system, while civil rights advocates express concerns regarding the increased scrutiny faced by naturalized citizens.