Daijiworld Media Network - Minneapolis
Minneapolis, Dec 30: The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have stepped up investigations into alleged large-scale fraud in Minnesota, including irregularities at child care centres, triggering fresh debate and concern within the state’s sizeable Somali community.
Federal authorities confirmed they are “surging” resources to probe suspected fraud cases, weeks after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) launched targeted operations in the Minneapolis–St Paul region. The action follows revelations of alleged misuse of public funds and comes amid renewed political rhetoric targeting immigrants, particularly Somalis.
Minnesota is home to the largest Somali population in the United States, with around 84,000 people of Somali descent living in the Twin Cities area. The majority are US citizens who resettled after fleeing prolonged civil war in Somalia.
The intensified enforcement drive also coincides with the circulation of a viral YouTube video by a content creator known for anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim views. The video, which alleges widespread fraud at Somali-run child care centres, has garnered over 1.5 million views. Despite offering limited verifiable evidence, it gained traction after being shared by Vice President JD Vance and tech entrepreneur Elon Musk on social media.
According to a law enforcement official quoted by US media, the recent deployment of DHS agents — including visits to nearly 30 businesses in Minneapolis on Monday — was influenced in part by claims raised in the viral video.
Reacting to the allegations on social media platform X, Vice President Vance stated that those involved were “stealing both money and political power from Minnesotans,” further fuelling controversy.
Meanwhile, DHS has begun posting videos online showing Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents entering locations described as “suspected fraud sites.” Officials, however, have maintained that investigations are ongoing and that no conclusions have yet been drawn.
Community leaders and civil rights groups have expressed concern that the heightened scrutiny risks unfairly stigmatising an entire community based on unverified online claims. Authorities have not disclosed how many cases are under investigation or whether formal charges have been filed so far.
The developments mark the latest flashpoint in Minnesota’s ongoing debate over immigration, public funding oversight and the impact of viral social media narratives on law enforcement actions.