WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Department of Justice has launched its largest coordinated effort to revoke the citizenship of naturalized Americans, targeting 25 people accused of obtaining citizenship through fraud or by hiding serious criminal conduct. The move marks the biggest denaturalization action in the department’s history and reflects the Trump administration’s broader push to protect the integrity of the U.S. naturalization process.

According to the Justice Department, the complaints were filed between July 20 and Aug. 3. Officials say the cases involve naturalized U.S. citizens from 17 countries, including India, Pakistan, Mexico, Nigeria, Colombia, Taiwan, Jamaica, Cuba and Sweden. The department initially announced 24 cases before adding another complaint, bringing the total to 25.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said U.S. citizenship remains one of the nation’s highest privileges. He added that people must obtain it honestly and lawfully. He said the complaints allege that the individuals secured citizenship through fraud, concealment or other unlawful conduct. In several cases, officials say the individuals hid violent crimes, child sexual abuse offenses, fraudulent identities or other facts that could have prevented them from becoming U.S. citizens.

Moreover, Blanche said the latest filings represent only the beginning of the Justice Department’s effort. He said the department will continue using every legal tool available to protect the naturalization system and improve public safety.

The latest complaints increase the department’s total denaturalization filings to 88 since Jan. 20, 2025. As a result, the administration has significantly expanded efforts to remove citizenship from people it believes obtained it illegally.

The Justice Department says the cases involve a wide range of alleged criminal activity. Officials claim some individuals concealed attempted murder charges, child sexual abuse offenses, domestic violence incidents and marriage fraud during the naturalization process. Other complaints involve identity fraud, passport fraud, bank fraud, credit card fraud and practicing medicine without a license.

In addition, Justice Department Civil Division Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate described the coordinated action as the largest denaturalization surge on record. He said every person named in the complaints committed crimes that conflict with the responsibilities of U.S. citizenship. He also said the department is moving quickly against individuals who allegedly deceived the federal government during the naturalization process.

Federal officials argue that truthful disclosures play a central role in every citizenship application. They say applicants must provide accurate information about their identities, criminal records and other background details. If applicants intentionally hide important facts or provide false information, the government may seek to revoke citizenship through civil court proceedings.

One of the newly filed cases involves a man living in North Carolina. According to the Justice Department, he received U.S. citizenship through military service. However, officials allege that he failed to complete the required period of honorable service. They also say he was later convicted of attempted first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon. The department argues that these circumstances justify revoking his citizenship.

Although the complaints have been filed, the cases must still move through the federal court system. Each individual will have an opportunity to respond to the allegations, present evidence and challenge the government’s claims before a judge makes a final decision. Filing a denaturalization complaint does not automatically result in the loss of citizenship.

The Justice Department has long held the authority to pursue denaturalization in cases involving fraud or illegal procurement of citizenship. However, such actions have historically remained uncommon. The latest coordinated effort signals a sharper focus on enforcing those laws and reviewing cases involving alleged deception during the naturalization process.