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Emigration and immigration

Louisiana Police Chiefs and Business Owner Charged in Massive Immigration Visa Fraud Scheme

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Alison Doyle, the wife of Louisiana police chief Chad Doyle, and business owner Chandrakant "Lala" Patel were among five people charged in a nearly decade-long immigration visa fraud scheme that involved small-town police chiefs being paid to file false police reports. The scheme, which allegedly lasted from 2013 to 2022, resulted in hundreds of noncitizens being granted U.S. citizenship through the exploitation of a special visa program. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is committed to protecting the integrity of the immigration system and will hold accountable those who exploit it.

Key Takeaways:

  • Alison Doyle, the wife of Louisiana police chief Chad Doyle, has been charged with two counts of malfeasance in office for her alleged role in the visa fraud scheme.
  • Business owner Chandrakant "Lala" Patel was a central figure in the visa fraud operation and allegedly paid police chiefs $5,000 to file false police reports.
  • The visa fraud scheme involved the use of a special visa program (U visa) that is set aside for victims of certain crimes who are helpful to law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity.
  • The scheme allegedly lasted from 2013 to 2022 and resulted in hundreds of noncitizens being granted U.S. citizenship.
  • A total of five people were arrested in connection with the scheme, including police chiefs Chad Doyle and Glynn Dixon, former police chief Tebo Onishea, and marshal Michael "Freck" Slaney.
  • U.S. Attorney Alexander Van Hook estimated that there were "hundreds of names" specifically for visas that were approved as a result of the scheme.
  • The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has stated that it is committed to protecting the integrity of the immigration system and will hold accountable those who exploit it.
  • According to the U.S. Homeland Security Department, about 10,000 people obtained U visas in the 12-month period that ended September 30, 2022.

Statistics:

  • The visa fraud scheme allegedly lasted for nearly a decade (2013-2022).
  • Hundreds of noncitizens were granted U.S. citizenship as a result of the scheme.
  • 10,000 people obtained U visas in the 12-month period that ended September 30, 2022.
  • The U.S. Department of Homeland Security processed U visas for the specified period of September 30, 2022.
  • 5 people were arrested in connection with the visa fraud scheme.

Sources:

  • The Associated Press
  • U.S. Attorney's Office
  • U.S. Department of Homeland Security

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