NEWS
GOP Leader Demands Deportation Over Minnesota Fraud Scandal
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
House Majority Whip calls for removing Somalis after alleged $9 billion welfare fraud scheme
Rep. Tom Emmer is calling for deportation of Somalis involved in massive fraud schemes in Minnesota, including revoking citizenship for naturalized citizens. Federal investigators have uncovered widespread fraud involving fake daycare centers, medical providers, and food assistance programs that may have stolen up to $9 billion in taxpayer funds. The announcement follows a viral YouTube video alleging fraud at Somali-run daycare centers, prompting FBI and DHS to surge resources to Minneapolis. Concerns have emerged that some funds may have reached Al-Shabaab, a Somalia-based terrorist group linked to al Qaeda.
Key Facts
- Up to $9 billion allegedly stolen from Minnesota government benefit programs
- 90% of people charged with fraud have Somali background, according to Emmer
- FBI and DHS conducting door-to-door investigations at 30+ suspected fraud sites
- 40+ convictions already secured in previous Feeding Our Future case involving $250 million
- 84,000 people of Somali descent live in Minneapolis-St. Paul area, mostly U.S. citizens
- Viral YouTube video by Nick Shirley received 1.5+ million views, retweeted by VP Vance and Elon Musk