The targets included multiple childcare centers and other businesses, most reportedly tied to the Somali community, as part of the ongoing investigation into social services fraud that has allegedly cost American taxpayers hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars.
A Justice Department spokesperson confirmed the operation in a statement to NBC News.
“Today the FBI with federal, state and local law enforcement is involved in court-authorized law enforcement activity as part of an ongoing fraud investigation,” the spokesperson said.
The raids were not related to immigration enforcement, officials stressed repeatedly.
Instead, they focused on alleged fraud in programs such as childcare assistance, Medicaid-funded services including autism support, and pandemic-era initiatives.
One high-profile location hit was the “Quality Learing Center” in Minneapolis, a day care that gained national attention after a viral video by conservative YouTuber Nick Shirley showed no children present despite receiving millions in public funds.
The center was later reported to be closed.
Minnesota has been the center of repeated, large-scale fraud schemes involving federally funded social services.
TheFeeding Our Future casealone involved over $250 million in fraudulent claims for meals that were never served.
The Department of Justice charged 47 defendants in that scheme in 2022, with dozens pleading guilty and additional convictions continuing to be secured.
Source: The Gateway Pundit
