An investigation led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Maryland, with the assistance of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, has resulted in the sentencing of Douglas Anthony Eze for visa fraud. Eze, a 55-year-old resident of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, was sentenced on May 21 to one year and one day in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
Michael McCarthy, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Maryland, stated that "visa fraud isn’t just a paperwork violation; it’s a deliberate abuse of our immigration system and a direct threat to national security and public trust." He emphasized that such actions undermine legal processes and contribute to human trafficking and labor exploitation.
Eze's fraudulent activities date back to 1991 when he illegally entered Canada using a fake passport. After being issued a deportation order by Canada in 1995, he fled to the United States in 1997 under the guise of a Canadian citizen's identity whom he knew personally. Eze used this stolen identity to obtain a green card and eventually became a U.S. citizen. Under these false pretenses, he sponsored two children for permanent residence in the U.S., continuing to use the victim's identity without permission.
The sentencing was announced by ICE HSI Baltimore Special Agent Michael S. McCarthy along with Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, and representatives from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
The public is encouraged to report any criminal activity by contacting the Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE or through an online tip form.
Further information about HSI Baltimore’s mission can be found on their social media platform X at @HSIBaltimore.
