The Department of Homeland Security posted a video on X showing HSI agents delivering a notice of inspection in Minneapolis as part of a federal investigation into alleged fraud in Minnesota’s social services programs. The Justice Department says it has charged 98 people in the probe, 85 of whom are reported to be of Somali descent. Federal prosecutors say as much as half of about $18 billion billed to 14 programs since 2018 may be fraudulent, prompting a third-party audit ordered by Gov. Tim Walz and planned immigration enforcement by the federal government.
DHS Shares Video of HSI Agents in Minneapolis Amid Widening Fraud Probe
The Department of Homeland Security on Tuesday released a short video showing Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents operating in Minneapolis as part of a federal probe into alleged fraud affecting the state’s social services programs.
Posted to the social platform X, the clip shows two HSI agents handing a notice of inspection to an individual in a store; the person's face was blurred in the footage. DHS said the action is part of a larger operation targeting suspected fraud across multiple programs.
What DHS Says
“Our investigative agents are conducting a massive operation to identify, arrest, and remove criminals who are defrauding the American people. We will root out this rampant fraud plaguing Minnesota.” — Department of Homeland Security statement
Federal Investigation Expands
Federal authorities have intensified scrutiny of alleged fraud after independent reporting by journalist Nick Shirley prompted renewed attention to the matter. The Justice Department has charged 98 people in the broader investigation, and officials say 85 of those charged are of Somali descent.
Joseph Thompson, an assistant U.S. attorney in Minnesota, told reporters earlier this month that it is possible "half or more" of the roughly $18 billion billed to 14 programs overseen by the state Department of Human Services since 2018 may be fraudulent. Prosecutors and investigators continue to review records and pursue additional leads.
State Response and Broader Fallout
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz ordered a third-party audit in October to review billing across the 14 programs, including the now-shuttered Housing Stabilization Services program. The investigation has generated political controversy and community concern, particularly within Minnesota’s Somali population.
Officials have also said the federal response includes deployment of HSI and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel to Minneapolis. Federal officials have indicated there will be immigration enforcement operations focused on migrants from Somalia who lack legal status in the state.
The probe remains active, and those charged are entitled to due process as the Justice Department pursues prosecutions and investigators continue their review.
