HSI Dismantles SIM Fraud Networks Across the US
Scam calls threatening deportation have drained millions from immigrant families across the US. In July 2026, federal agents shut down the hidden phone networks behind many of those calls. Here is what happened — and what to do if you were targeted.
What if you have been getting suspicious texts or calls that seem to come from US government agencies? You are not alone — and the source may have just been shut down.
Between June 22 and July 10, 2026, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) — the investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security — ran Operation Signal Break, a nationwide sweep targeting illegal SIM box operations. SIM boxes are devices that hold hundreds or thousands of cellphone SIM cards. Criminal organizations use them to send massive volumes of scam calls and phishing texts while hiding where those messages actually come from. The Federal Trade Commission estimates these operations cost Americans roughly $15 million every year.
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HSI deployed specialized teams to Los Angeles, Miami, Tampa, Houston, Boston, New York, and New Jersey — more than 11 field offices across 5 states. Since 2024, HSI has executed over 116 federal search warrants, seized more than 500,000 SIM cards and over 1,900 SIM boxes, and disrupted 68 SIM farms in 15 states. The operation resulted in one criminal arrest and 11 administrative arrests. HSI said investigators will now analyze seized data to identify victims and trace money linked to Chinese transnational criminal organizations, with the goal of further indictments and asset seizures.
Why this matters for immigrants
Scam calls and phishing texts frequently target immigrant communities. Fraudsters impersonate USCIS, ICE, or Social Security officials and threaten deportation or visa cancellation to pressure people into sending money. These calls often appear to come from legitimate US phone numbers — exactly the kind of deception SIM boxes make possible. Law-abiding immigrants are not targets of this operation. The arrests involved operators of the fraud infrastructure, not visa holders or green card applicants.
What to do
- If you receive a call threatening deportation or demanding payment to keep your visa or green card, hang up. USCIS and ICE do not demand payment by phone.
- Do not share your immigration case number, Social Security number, or bank details over the phone with an unexpected caller.
- Report suspicious calls or texts to the ICE Tip Line at 866-357-2423 or through the online ICE Tip Form at ice.gov.
- If you believe you were a victim of fraud, tell your immigration lawyer before taking any other action — some scams result in fake filings that can harm your case.
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Scam calls impersonating immigration officials are a real threat to immigrants' cases — not just their wallets. If a caller claims your green card or visa is being cancelled and demands immediate payment, that is fraud: USCIS and ICE never collect fees by phone. If you shared case details or paid money to someone posing as an official, an attorney can check whether any fraudulent filings were made in your name and help you correct the record before it affects your status. Consult a licensed immigration attorney as soon as possible if you think you were targeted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a real ICE or USCIS officer call me and demand money to stop my deportation?
No. Neither ICE nor USCIS collects fees or fines by phone. Any call demanding payment to cancel a removal order or save your visa is a scam. Hang up and report it.
Will Operation Signal Break affect my visa, green card, or immigration case?
No. This operation targeted criminal organizations running phone fraud networks. It has no effect on pending immigration applications or cases for law-abiding immigrants.
What if I already paid money to someone who claimed to be from USCIS or ICE?
Contact an immigration attorney right away. In some cases, scammers file fake documents using your information, which can create problems in your real immigration case. An attorney can check your records and help fix any damage.
How do I report a scam call that threatened my immigration status?
Call the ICE Tip Line at 866-357-2423 or submit a report online at ice.gov. You can also report phone scams to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.