U Visa Fraud Scheme: Police Chiefs Bribed to Fake Crime Reports
What if the visa meant to protect crime victims was being sold — by the very police officers supposed to certify it? That is exactly what federal prosecutors say happened in rural Louisiana for nearly a decade. Three sitting police chiefs and a local businessman have now pleaded guilty to fabricating armed robbery reports so immigrants could pay their way into U visa status.
The U visa (a nonimmigrant visa created by Congress for crime victims who help law enforcement) became the product in a scheme that ran from December 2015 to July 2025. Chandrakant Patel, 40, a business owner from Oakdale, Louisiana, collected thousands of dollars from immigrants who wanted to be listed as victims of crimes that never happened. In exchange, he coordinated with law enforcement officials who signed off on fabricated police reports documenting fake armed robberies.
The officials who pleaded guilty include Chad Doyle, 55, who was Oakdale Chief of Police; Michael Slaney, 64, Oakdale Marshal for Ward 5; Glynn Dixon, 62, Forest Hill Chief of Police — who entered his guilty plea on June 30, 2026; and Tebo Onishea, 38, Glenmora Chief of Police. All four were indicted on July 2, 2025. Dixon, Doyle, Onishea, and Slaney each face up to five years in federal prison. Patel, who organized the conspiracy and in one instance attempted to bribe a Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office official for an additional false report, faces up to 20 years. The falsified documents were also mailed through the U.S. Postal Service, adding mail fraud charges to the case.
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HSI New Orleans acting Special Agent in Charge Matt Wright said: "When anyone, including public officials, exploits immigration relief programs or commits fraud against the government, HSI and our law enforcement partners will investigate, dismantle these schemes, and work to bring those responsible to justice." The investigation involved HSI, the FBI, the IRS Criminal Investigation Division, and USCIS's Fraud Detection and National Security Division.
What this means for legitimate U visa applicants
The U visa program requires a law enforcement certification — a signed statement from a police official confirming that the applicant was a victim of a qualifying crime and cooperated with investigators. This case shows that USCIS and federal agencies are actively auditing those certifications. Legitimate applicants who were genuine crime victims have no reason to panic, but they should expect closer scrutiny of their supporting documents. Any applicant who paid a third party to "arrange" their certification faces serious legal risk, including removal proceedings and criminal charges.
- If you have a pending U visa application based on a real crime you reported to real law enforcement, gather all original police reports, case numbers, and any communication with the certifying agency. Keep copies in a safe place.
- Do not pay any person or agency that promises to "get" you a law enforcement certification. Lawyers who handle U visa cases can help you contact the right agency directly — no payment to a middleman is ever required or legal.
- If you are already in removal proceedings and believe your U visa application was affected by fraud you did not know about, immigration lawyers recommend filing a motion to reopen (deadline: 90 days from the removal order) and disclosing the situation to the court immediately.
- Contact a licensed immigration attorney — not a notario or unlicensed consultant — if you have any doubts about the legitimacy of your certification or the person who helped you file.
What to do, step by step — see our guide “F-1 Student Visa”.
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A U visa certification must come directly from a law enforcement agency — no legitimate attorney or consultant can sell you one or guarantee it. If you paid a third party to obtain a certification and are now worried about your application, you have the right to withdraw it before USCIS makes a decision, which may reduce your exposure to fraud findings. Anyone already in removal proceedings who suspects their application was tainted should file a motion to reopen within the 90-day deadline and be fully transparent with the immigration judge — concealment will make the outcome far worse. Consult a licensed immigration attorney as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a U visa and who qualifies for it?
The U visa is a nonimmigrant visa for people who were victims of certain serious crimes — such as assault, robbery, or domestic violence — and who helped or are helping law enforcement investigate or prosecute that crime. A law enforcement official must sign a certification (Form I-918B) confirming your cooperation. You cannot buy or arrange this certification through a third party.
Will this case cause USCIS to reject more U visa applications?
USCIS has not announced a blanket policy change. However, the agency's Fraud Detection and National Security Division was part of this investigation, which means scrutiny of certifications — especially from smaller local agencies — is likely to increase. Applicants with legitimate cases should not be rejected, but delays for additional review are possible.
What happens if I unknowingly used a fraudulent certification?
If USCIS determines your certification was fraudulent, your application can be denied and you may be placed in removal proceedings. If you had no knowledge of the fraud, that matters legally — but you will still need an attorney to present that argument. Do not wait for USCIS to contact you; consult a lawyer now.
Can I still apply for a U visa if the crime happened years ago?
Yes. There is no strict statute of limitations on when the crime occurred, as long as you are still able to cooperate with law enforcement and the certifying agency is willing to sign. An immigration attorney can help you approach the right agency and prepare a strong application.