Photo: Alamy
Federal law enforcement agencies carried out a large series of raids across Minnesota on Tuesday as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged welfare fraud, according to officials.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, working with federal, state and local partners, executed at least 22 court-authorized search warrants across the Twin Cities area, the U.S. Department of Justice said.
“Today the FBI with federal, state and local law enforcement is involved in court-authorized law enforcement activity as part of an ongoing fraud investigation,” a Justice Department spokesperson said.
“Any abuse of American taxpayer dollars is UNACCEPTABLE,” the Department of Homeland Security also stated on social media.
Authorities emphasized that the operation is not tied to immigration enforcement, distinguishing it from other recent federal actions.
Searches were conducted at multiple sites, including businesses and service providers suspected of involvement in schemes connected to government aid programs. Investigators have not released details about the full scope of the alleged fraud or how many locations were ultimately targeted.
At least one search was observed at a senior services facility in the region, with agents entering and leaving the building.
The raids come amid increased scrutiny of fraud cases in Minnesota involving pandemic-era relief funds and social service programs, including child care and Medicaid-related funding. Federal prosecutors have previously brought charges in several cases involving millions of dollars in alleged misuse of taxpayer money.
The investigation has also drawn attention on Capitol Hill. Tom Emmer praised the operation, thanking federal agencies for what he described as decisive action.
“President Trump and his administration have made it crystal clear – our country will not tolerate waste, fraud, and abuse, and we are not going to allow people to take advantage of Americans’ generosity. Thank you to the U.S. Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security for taking action against Somali fraudsters. Minnesotans and U.S. taxpayers across the nation are grateful,” Emmer said in a statement.
