CNN’s Boris Sanchez Confronts Rep. Randy Fine Over GOP Focus On Alleged Somali Fraud

CNN anchor Boris Sanchez pressed Republican Rep. Randy Fine (R-FL) on Wednesday about why some GOP figures have singled out Somali immigrants in recent fraud allegations, arguing that "people across all cultures commit fraud." The interview, on CNN NewsCentral, intensified debates over immigration, assimilation and how elected officials should discuss alleged criminal schemes without stigmatizing entire communities.

Key Exchange

Sanchez asked why Somali immigrants were being highlighted when fraud occurs across demographic groups, citing pandemic-era scams as an example: "I mean, we're both from Florida. I’m sure you saw a lot of COVID-19 fraud done by people of all races, of all genders, of all faiths. Why specifically Somalians?"

"This is up to $8 billion from a group of people that came to the country — almost a huge percentage went on to welfare immediately. A large amount of immigration fraud. And again, from a country that was not well managed," Fine replied.

Fine framed his criticism broadly around assimilation and public benefits, saying immigration should favor people who "love the country, want to assimilate, do not want free stuff and want to add value." He added, "Immigration without assimilation is invasion," and cited Minneapolis as an example of where he believes assimilation has failed.

Sanchez pushed back, defending Somali contributions to Minnesota and questioning whether Fine appreciated how his comments might offend community members. "Wasn’t the country founded on the premise that you could come here, irrespective of what your beliefs are, and if you’re a law-abiding person, found a good life?" Sanchez asked, noting Somalis have "provided an enormous economic boost" to Minneapolis and the state.

Context And Reporting

Their exchange followed reporting in The New York Times that federal prosecutors say some Somalis in Minnesota orchestrated a scheme that allegedly stole "more than $1 billion in taxpayers' money." Separately, a Fox News reporter cited whistleblowers who said the total could be as high as $8 billion. Those figures represent conflicting accounts and, in some cases, unverified whistleblower estimates; official totals remain subject to ongoing investigations and prosecutions.

Fine also said he introduced legislation to bar immigrants, whether here legally or illegally, from receiving government benefits — a measure he framed as consistent with promises his ancestors made when they immigrated. Sanchez questioned whether such rhetoric — and comments by former President Donald Trump that labeled Somalia "filthy" or referred to some countries as "sh*thole countries" — risk establishing a hierarchy of who belongs in the United States.

Trump later targeted Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) in published remarks, saying he did not want more Somalis like her coming to the U.S. and calling her derogatory names; Omar has called the president "a national embarrassment."

Why This Matters

The interview highlights broader tensions over how lawmakers discuss criminal allegations tied to immigrant communities, the political consequences of linking immigration and fraud, and the need for careful attribution of reported figures while investigations continue.