Federal investigators have ramped up their presence in Minnesota, with the FBI redirecting personnel and resources to examine what its director described as a growing fraud concern in the state.
Speaking publicly over the weekend, FBI Director Kash Patel said the bureau had “surged” teams into Minnesota, pointing to recent online material that has fueled questions about the use of public funds. He did not spell out details, and the agency later declined to elaborate further on his remarks.
The move comes amid heightened attention on alleged misuse of federal money meant for social services. In recent weeks, officials in Washington have repeatedly described Minnesota—particularly parts of its Somali immigrant community—as a focal point for large-scale fraud. Advocacy groups have pushed back, arguing that the investigations are being framed in a way that unfairly casts suspicion on an entire community rather than specific wrongdoing.
Patel’s comments followed the circulation of a social media video that appeared to show daycare centers listed as operational but seemingly inactive, despite having received public funding. The footage quickly spread online, drawing responses from prominent Republican figures. A Minnesota congressman publicly called on the state’s leadership to respond, and the video was later amplified by the vice president on social media.
Minnesota’s governor’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
According to U.S. media reports, many of the individuals named in recently announced Minnesota fraud cases are of Somali background. The handling of these investigations has also sparked tension between federal authorities and state officials, with differing views on how the cases should be pursued and communicated.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly cited the Minnesota investigations in his broader criticism of both the state’s leadership and the Somali diaspora, keeping the issue firmly in the national political spotlight even as key details of the inquiry remain undisclosed.
