The Trump administration has mobilized approximately 2000 federal immigration agents to Minnesota for a month-long operation targeting fraud and illegal immigration. The deployment follows allegations of a multibillion-dollar scam involving Somali-run daycares and nonprofits that siphoned taxpayer funds. Officials aim to investigate and deport those involved while addressing broader welfare program abuses.
The operation, instructed over the weekend, requires agents from across the country to report to Minnesota as soon as possible, according to Homeland Security sources. Homeland Security Investigations teams will probe fraud linked to dozens of Somalis accused of stealing $9 billion in taxpayer money through fake nonprofits and shell companies, funneling proceeds to Somalia and even the terrorist group Al-Shabaab, as reported by City Journal. Since 2021, over 90 individuals have been charged, with more than 60 convictions, per court documents cited by CBS News.
Customs and Border Protection Commander Gregory Bovino, known for leading sweeps in cities like Los Angeles and Chicago, will join Border Patrol agents in the effort. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has prepared planes to transport detainees to facilities with available space for deportation processing. This builds on 'Operation Metro Surge' at the end of 2025, which resulted in over 400 arrests of illegal immigrants in Minnesota.
The crackdown gained momentum after a video by YouTuber Nick Shirley exposed empty Somali-owned daycares in Minneapolis, prompting door-to-door federal visits. Federal prosecutors have documented scams like the 'Feeding Our Future' scheme, which defrauded hundreds of millions by falsely claiming to feed children. Fake autism centers and other providers have cost hundreds of millions more in recent years.
In parallel, the Department of Health and Human Services proposed reversing a Biden-era rule on Monday that paid daycare providers based on enrollment rather than attendance, enabling fraud. 'Paying providers upfront based on paper enrollment instead of actual attendance invites abuse,' said HHS Deputy Secretary Jim O’Neill. The change, which paused Minnesota childcare payments last week, will allow payments post-care and based on attendance data after a 30-day comment period.
Minnesota's political landscape shifts amid the scandals, with Governor Tim Walz opting not to seek re-election. Senator Amy Klobuchar may enter the gubernatorial race, potentially opening her Senate seat. Republicans see an opportunity, citing the fraud as evidence of Democratic mismanagement.
