ICE storm DHS launches ‘DOOR TO DOOR’ search for illegal immigrants at accused fraud sites in Minneapolis
Federal agents go into a bodega Monday as part of their probe. DHS
MINNEAPOLIS — Federal authorities have launched a sweeping investigation into an alleged multibillion-dollar fraud scheme in Minnesota, with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conducting inspections at day-care centers and other sites suspected of abusing taxpayer-funded programs.
Officials say they are examining whether up to $9 billion may have been stolen through social-services fraud, with investigators alleging that much of the activity involved networks tied to Somali immigrants. Authorities have so far confirmed approximately $1 billion in fraudulent claims, according to federal investigators.
That total includes an estimated $300 million connected to fraudulent food-distribution programs, $220 million linked to autism-related services, and $302 million involving housing subsidies that allegedly never reached eligible recipients.
A day-care worker in Minneapolis said masked ICE agents arrived at her facility earlier this week and requested documentation. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) later confirmed the operation in a post on X, stating that federal agents were “going door to door at suspected fraud sites.”
“The American people deserve answers on how their taxpayer money is being used — and arrests when abuse is found,” DHS said.
The FBI, Department of Justice, and Department of Labor have all announced expanded investigations following the circulation of a viral video highlighting multiple taxpayer-funded day-care centers that reportedly received more than $1 million each while allegedly serving few or no children.
One such facility, the Quality “Learing” Center in Minneapolis — known for a misspelled sign — was active on Monday as national media arrived, though nearby residents said it is typically quiet. The center has received approximately $1.9 million in government funding and lists its operating hours as 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Local media report that the facility has accumulated 95 state inspection violations since 2019.
Federal officials say dozens of people have already been arrested in connection with the broader investigation. DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin said agents are examining fraudulent day-care, health-care, and nonprofit operations across the region.
Videos released by DHS show agents questioning business employees about nearby properties that appeared inactive despite receiving public funds, as well as asking about subcontractors and business partners.
According to investigators, the scheme involved newly created businesses and nonprofits that claimed to provide housing, food, or health-care services, then billed federally funded state programs for work that was allegedly never performed.
FBI Director Kash Patel described the case as “just the tip of a very large iceberg,” noting that the bureau has significantly increased resources in Minnesota to prevent further losses.
“To date, the FBI dismantled a $250 million fraud scheme that stole federal food aid meant for vulnerable children during COVID,” Patel said, referencing the Feeding Our Future case, which resulted in 78 indictments and 57 convictions. Patel also warned that convicted individuals could face denaturalization and deportation where applicable.
Members of the local Somali community have expressed concern about the impact of the scandal. Mohamed Adbi, a 38-year-old Somali Uber driver in Minneapolis, said the allegations are damaging to the community’s reputation.
“Some people are taking advantage of the system,” Adbi said. “But the community as a whole is very hard-working. We’re upset about this.”
Federal officials have also reported uncovering widespread immigration-related fraud in the Twin Cities area. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Joseph B. Edlow said a recent sweep found numerous cases involving marriage fraud, visa overstays, forged documents, and misuse of work and student visa programs.
Minnesota is home to more than 82,000 Somali residents, the largest Somali population in the United States.
Former Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek said Minnesota’s culture of politeness and reluctance to confront wrongdoing may have contributed to the problem. He accused state and local leaders of ignoring fraud for years.
“You’ve had several governors in a row and local officials who have ignored it,” Stanek said. “It’s all about votes.”
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