NYT opinion writer Mara Gay warned on MSNBC's Morning Joe that federal fraud probes in Minnesota risk unfairly scapegoating the state's Somali community and may be politicized. Her remarks followed a viral video showing reportedly inactive childcare centers that had received millions in state funding. The DOJ says 98 people have been charged—85 of whom are of Somali descent—while officials, including the FBI and Homeland Security teams, have deployed additional resources to the state. Governor Tim Walz disputes some reported figures tied to the alleged fraud.
NYT Columnist Warns Somali Minnesotans May Be ‘Scapegoated’ As Federal Fraud Probe Intensifies
Homeland Security investigators were part of a large fraud investigation on Monday in Minneapolis following the release of a video over the weekend on alleged daycare fraud.
New York Times opinion writer Mara Gay told MSNBC's Morning Joe that rising fraud allegations in Minnesota risk unfairly targeting the state's Somali community and that federal probes may be politicized. Her comments followed a viral video from independent journalist Nick Shirley showing visits to several Minnesota childcare centers that appeared largely inactive despite receiving millions in state funds.
What Gay Said
Gay emphasized that any credible allegation of fraud "should absolutely" be investigated regardless of political party, but questioned the timing and emphasis of federal involvement. She warned that when federal agencies like the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the FBI are seen as politicized, public trust erodes. In her words:
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has been criticized over the growing fraud schemes being discovered in his state.
"The politicization of the DOJ and the FBI is undeniable... I think the American people are right to ask the question: Can we trust you? And that's a sad thing to say as an American."
Evidence, Charges and Official Responses
In response to inquiries, the DOJ highlighted an X (formerly Twitter) post by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi reporting that prosecutors have charged 98 individuals since the investigations began, including 85 people of Somali descent. Bondi's post cautioned lawmakers to expect further prosecutions.
Media reports and officials have linked alleged social services fraud in Minnesota largely to areas of Minneapolis with sizable Somali communities and have suggested that as much as $1 billion may have been lost. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has publicly disputed that total.
Authorities have suggested at least $1 billion have been lost to fraud tied to Minnesota's Somali community.
Federal Agencies Step Up
Federal law-enforcement leaders say they have increased resources in the state. FBI Director Kash Patel said the bureau dispatched additional personnel and investigative resources to help "dismantle large-scale fraud schemes exploiting federal programs." Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also announced that Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were on the ground in Minneapolis conducting a "massive" probe.
Context And Concerns
Gay noted that fraud scandals are not unique to any one community or political party, citing other recent welfare-related controversies. Her central concern was that the Somali immigrant community could be portrayed as a collective culprit and used as a political wedge—an outcome she described as inappropriate and harmful.
The developing story highlights several competing priorities: pursuing alleged criminal activity, ensuring investigations are free from political influence, protecting vulnerable communities from unfair stigmatization, and clarifying the scale of any alleged losses. Authorities say prosecutions are ongoing.
