Fact Check: DOJ Prioritizes Denaturalization Cases Against Naturalized Citizens for Serious Crimes
What We Know
The claim that the Department of Justice (DOJ) prioritizes denaturalization cases against naturalized citizens for serious crimes is supported by recent actions and statements from the DOJ. In June 2025, the DOJ successfully denaturalized Elliott Duke, a convicted distributor of child sexual abuse material, who had fraudulently obtained U.S. citizenship by failing to disclose his criminal history during the naturalization process. This case was part of a broader initiative called Operation Prison Lookout, which aims to identify and prosecute sex offenders who have illegally obtained citizenship (source-1).
Additionally, the DOJ has established a dedicated Denaturalization Section within its Office of Immigration Litigation to focus specifically on cases involving individuals who have obtained citizenship through fraudulent means, including serious crimes such as terrorism and sex offenses. This section underscores the DOJ's commitment to pursuing denaturalization cases and has achieved a high success rate, winning 95% of the cases it has brought (source-2).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim comes from official DOJ announcements and actions that clearly indicate a strategic focus on denaturalization cases involving serious crimes. The establishment of the Denaturalization Section reflects a systematic approach to addressing cases where individuals have committed serious offenses prior to or after obtaining citizenship. Assistant Attorney General Jody Hunt emphasized that the creation of this section is a response to the need for accountability among those who have fraudulently obtained citizenship, particularly in cases involving serious crimes (source-2).
Furthermore, a recent NPR report highlighted that the DOJ is directing its attorneys to prioritize denaturalization cases specifically against naturalized citizens who commit serious crimes. This directive aligns with the DOJ's broader enforcement strategy, indicating a clear prioritization of such cases (source-4).
The reliability of these sources is high, as they originate from official government announcements and reputable news outlets. The DOJ's own press releases provide direct insight into their policies and priorities, while NPR's reporting offers an independent verification of the DOJ's actions and intentions.
Conclusion
The claim that the DOJ prioritizes denaturalization cases against naturalized citizens for serious crimes is True. The evidence from recent DOJ actions, including the establishment of a dedicated section for denaturalization cases and specific directives to prioritize such cases, supports this assertion. The DOJ's commitment to prosecuting individuals who have fraudulently obtained citizenship through serious criminal activity is clear and well-documented.
