MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Federal Homeland Security officials initiated a fraud investigation on Monday, targeting alleged fraudulent activities in Minnesota related to a COVID-19 relief program, as disclosed by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
The investigation, which follows a prolonged inquiry, has its roots in a $300 million scheme involving the nonprofit 'Feeding Our Future.' Prosecutors have stated that this organization is at the center of the largest COVID-19-related fraud in the U.S., exploiting a federally funded program designed to provide food for children.
According to allegations made by federal prosecutors, it is suspected that nearly half of the $18 billion in federal funds supporting various programs in Minnesota since 2018 might have been illicitly obtained. A significant portion of those implicated are members of the Somali American community, who have been disproportionately affected by the scrutiny of these investigations.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has stated that there will be zero tolerance for fraud and expressed his commitment to collaborate with federal partners to ensure that fraud is curbed and those responsible are held accountable. He has called for increased authority from the Legislature to enhance measures against fraud.
On Monday, Noem posted a video on social media showing federal officers entering a business and querying the staff present. Noem emphasized the scale of the investigation, stating that officers were probing rampant childcare and other fraudulent activities.
The public outcry for transparency is growing, with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement stressing that taxpayers deserve answers regarding the misuse of their funds. They demand swift actions against individuals found exploiting federal assistance programs.
The day prior, FBI Director Kash Patel indicated that the agency had deployed additional personnel and resources to Minnesota, reinforcing that the previous arrests are merely the 'tip of a very large iceberg' should these fraud cases be further explored.
Finally, this situation has contributed to heightened tensions between state and federal law enforcement, particularly as the Trump administration's immigration crackdown has intensified focus on the Minneapolis-St. Paul area's Somali community, which is the largest in the United States.
