MINNEAPOLIS (RTWNews) — President Donald Trump has recently connected his administration’s immigration crackdown targeted at Minnesota’s significant Somali population with several fraud cases involving government programs, many of which have defendants with ties to this East African community.
Last week, Trump referred to Minnesota's Somalis in derogatory terms, stating his disdain for their presence in the U.S. This move aligns with a growing Republican critique against Governor Tim Walz, who has faced allegations of negligence in addressing the ongoing fraud that is becoming a pivotal issue in the upcoming 2026 gubernatorial race.
Minnesota hosts the largest Somali community in the U.S., with around 84,000 individuals amidst a broader population of 260,000 Somalis in the entire nation. The vast majority are American citizens, with nearly 58% born in the U.S., and 87% of foreign-born individuals having completed the naturalization process.
The Scope of the Fraud
The precise financial repercussions from the fraud cases remain unclear, but preliminary estimates suggest losses from a single case, known as Feeding Our Future, could exceed $300 million. Overall estimates from all fraud cases could surpass $1 billion, according to federal prosecutors.
Governor Walz has indicated that an audit expected by January will provide clarity, although he acknowledged that the staggering figures might be accurate.
Feeding Our Future
The Feeding Our Future scandal revolves around a nonprofit accused of substantial COVID-19-related fraud. The organization allegedly misrepresented claims regarding millions of meals provided to children during the pandemic, resulting in widespread theft. Initially, 47 individuals were charged when the investigation came to light in 2022, a number that has since grown to 78.
At present, 57 have been convicted, with others either awaiting trial or acquiring fugitive status. Prosecutors are also pursuing additional cases related to health care benefits fraud, indicating these incidents may merely be the tip of the iceberg, with intricate schemes at play.
Impact on the Somali Community
Over 90% of the individuals charged in these fraud cases are of Somali descent. Prominent figures such as U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar have spoken out, emphasizing the unfairness of attributing blame to the entire community for the actions of a few.
Omar highlighted that the fraudulent activities harm the Somali community, as they, like others, are taxpayers in Minnesota who deserved the benefits initially intended for them.
Unsubstantiated Terrorism Claims
Trump's recent crackdown stems in part from claims that fraud proceeds may have been used to support terrorist activities linked to al-Shabab. However, officials, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, have conceded there is no current evidence connecting these fraud schemes to any attempts to fund terrorism.
No defendants from the fraud cases have been charged with material support for terrorist organizations, contrasting starkly with historical aggressiveness in pursuing cases related to attempted terrorist support among community members.
Officials have started investigations into possible connections to terrorism funding. Should such links emerge, Congresswoman Omar and others advocate for full accountability.
