FBI threatens to denaturalize, deport Somali scammers in Minnesota

Patel said that some fraud that has been uncovered is just the "tip of a very large iceberg" when it comes to fraud that has been taking place in Minnesota. This comes as a recent investigative report from independent journalist Nick Shirley exposed over $100 million in alleged fraud in the state.

In a statement on social media, Patel wrote, "The FBI is aware of recent social media reports in Minnesota. However, even before the public conversation escalated online, the FBI had surged personnel and investigative resources to Minnesota to dismantle large-scale fraud schemes exploiting federal programs. Fraud that steals from taxpayers and robs vulnerable children will remain a top FBI priority in Minnesota and nationwide. To date, the FBI dismantled a $250 million fraud scheme that stole federal food aid meant for vulnerable children during COVID. The investigation exposed sham vendors, shell companies, and large-scale money laundering tied to the Feeding Our Future network."

"The FBI believes this is just the tip of a very large iceberg. We will continue to follow the money and protect children, and this investigation very much remains ongoing. Furthermore, many are also being referred to immigrations officials for possible further denaturalization and deportation proceedings where eligible," Patel later added.

The case referred to by Patel has seen 78 indictments and 57 convictions connected to the Feeding Our Future case, many of which are people of Somali descent in Minnesota.

In a more recent report from Shirley, he and a Minnesota local go around to various day care businesses that do not appear to be in operation whatsoever and cite government documents showing that many of them had received millions of dollars from Minnesota government programs. Among the day care centers that they visited, children were not present, and the windows of the centers were blacked out.

Many Republican lawmakers have shared the report from Shirley, slamming Minnesota Governor Tim Walz for alleged negligence in oversight over the government programs, with House Majority Whip Tom Emmer stating that Walz "sat idly by while billions were stolen from hardworking Minnesotans."

Elon Musk has also called for the prosecution of Walz, citing Shirley's report.