WASHINGTON, D.C. — The House Oversight Committee has opened an investigation into allegations of large-scale fraud within Minnesota’s social service programs, following claims that billions in taxpayer funds were stolen and, in some cases, routed overseas. Committee Chair James Comer has given Gov. Tim Walz until December 17 to respond to the inquiry, which focuses on accusations published by City Journal that portions of misused funds were funneled to Somalia and may be linked to al-Shabaab, an al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist group.
Federal prosecutors in Minnesota have already charged dozens of defendants across multiple schemes involving housing assistance, pandemic child-nutrition programs, and fraudulent billing for autism services. Collectively, authorities estimate losses in the billions of dollars.
Walz said he welcomes scrutiny of the fraud but condemned attempts to tie the issue to Minnesota’s Somali community, saying those committing crimes will be prosecuted regardless of background. Republicans, including Rep. Tom Emmer, have accused Walz of failing to prevent systemic fraud.
Tensions escalated as President Trump made inflammatory remarks about Somali immigrants while Minnesota prepared for what NBC News reported as a new ICE operation. Trump also directed derogatory comments at Rep. Ilhan Omar, prompting her to accuse the president of bigotry and xenophobia.
Critics argue the ICE crackdown is misguided because census data show the vast majority of Somalis in Minnesota are naturalized U.S. citizens.
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