WASHINGTON (AP) — The Treasury Department is focusing on financial transactions between residents in Minnesota and Somalia amid an increased immigration enforcement effort, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated during his recent visit to the state.
Bessent indicated that the Treasury has enacted measures to combat fraud, launching investigations into several businesses that facilitate money wiring to families abroad, though specific names were not disclosed. His visit spurred by recent protests against a federal immigration officer's fatal shooting of a woman in Minneapolis, resulting in a heated exchange between local and federal leaders.
President Trump has specifically targeted the Somali community in Minnesota with immigration enforcement and has directed officials like Bessent to investigate alleged fraudulent activities. This initiative comes on the heels of a scandal involving the nonprofit Feeding Our Future, which is accused of wrongfully acquiring around $300 million meant for pandemic-related school food programs.
Governor Tim Walz asserted that his administration will not tolerate any fraudulent activities, echoing similar sentiments to Bessent in ensuring accountability for those involved in scamming aid meant for children. Walz described his frustration regarding the Feeding Our Future case, stating that his administration will work in tandem with federal authorities to prevent such frauds in the future.
Bessent highlighted that recent Treasury actions include enhanced transaction reporting requirements for international remittances and investigations into Minnesota-based money service businesses, explicitly linked to potential child nutrition program fraud. The scrutiny has raised concerns among Somali community leaders and advocates, who fear repercussions amidst stricter federal oversight.
Moreover, reactions from experts, like Nicholas Anthony from the Cato Institute, criticize Bessent's announcements as infringing on financial freedoms. He condemned the measures as a move towards increased surveillance over American citizens' finances. Meanwhile, some community leaders report anecdotal instances of federal detentions, intensifying fears and highlighting ongoing debates about immigration and community protection.
In light of these developments, Bessent reiterated the Treasury’s commitment to fighting financial fraud and recovering funds, emphasizing that the agency aims to prevent significant scandals in the future.
