Rep. Tom Emmer urged deporting and denaturalizing Somalis he says were involved in large-scale fraud schemes in Minnesota, saying about 90% of those charged are of Somali background. Investigators have uncovered alleged scams posing as daycares, medical providers and food-assistance programs that may have diverted substantial taxpayer funds—estimates as high as $9 billion have been reported, though probes are ongoing. City Journal reported some proceeds could have reached Al-Shabaab, a militant group based in Somalia, and Emmer called for denaturalization if terrorist ties or immigration fraud are found. Current law limits denaturalization to cases of fraud in the naturalization process, and the Supreme Court will hear a separate birthright citizenship case in spring 2026.
House GOP Whip Urges Citizenship Revocations After Minnesota Fraud Allegations
Rep. Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), the House GOP whip, on Monday called for deportations and the revocation of naturalized citizenship for Somalis he says were involved in widespread fraud schemes that targeted Minnesota benefit programs.
"I have three words regarding Somalis who have committed fraud against American taxpayers: Send them home," Emmer said in a press release. He added: "If they’re here illegally, deport them immediately; if they’re naturalized citizens, revoke their citizenship and deport them quickly thereafter. If we need to change the law to do that, I will."
Emmer’s statement follows recent reporting and investigations into what state and federal authorities describe as extensive fraud involving programs such as child care subsidies, medical provider payments and food assistance. Authorities say some operators set up sham daycare centers, fabricated medical services or exaggerated client counts to siphon millions in public funds; some reporting has estimated losses could be as high as $9 billion, though investigations are ongoing.
Emmer told reporters that roughly 90% of the people charged in connection with these schemes have Somali backgrounds. He framed his comments as a response to both alleged criminal conduct and a perceived failure to assimilate.
Allegations of Terror-Ties Reported
Separately, City Journal reported that some diverted funds might have reached Al-Shabaab, an Islamist militant group based primarily in Somalia with known ties to al Qaeda. That reporting is part of continuing inquiries into the ultimate destination of illicitly obtained funds; authorities have not publicly confirmed all aspects of those claims.
Legal Limits On Denaturalization
Under current U.S. law, people born in the United States cannot have their citizenship revoked as a penalty for crimes. Naturalized citizens can be denaturalized, but only under limited circumstances laid out in the Immigration and Nationality Act—typically when citizenship was obtained through fraud in the naturalization process, such as concealing criminal history or using a false identity on the application.
Emmer said he would pursue legal changes if necessary to allow broader denaturalization in response to the alleged schemes. Legal experts note that any expansion of denaturalization powers would face complex constitutional and statutory challenges.
Separately, the U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to review the constitutionality of a Trump-era executive order that would narrow birthright citizenship for children born to parents with temporary or unlawful immigration status. The Court is scheduled to hear that case in spring 2026.
Federal and congressional investigations into the Minnesota allegations are continuing. Authorities and local officials caution that many details remain under review and that charges filed so far do not represent final determinations for all individuals or organizations mentioned in media reports.
