Minneapolis Mayor Stands with Somali Community Amid Fraud Allegations

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey recently addressed the city’s Somali community during celebrations for Somali Independence Day. He reinforced solidarity by acknowledging their significance to the city.

Frey’s comments arise as Minnesota faces scrutiny due to ongoing fraud investigations. These investigations follow a Republican-led House Oversight Committee report suggesting neglect of fraud warnings by the state administration under Governor Tim Walz. The report noted failures in addressing fraud within social services programs.

During challenging times and through Operation Metro Surge, they attempted to target some of us. But we declare, targeting one of us is targeting all of us.

Frey emphasized unity, remarking, “In Minneapolis, we loved our neighbors. We do not label you as immigrants. We see you as family.” He praised their contributions, stating, “You are our brothers and sisters. Your efforts have tremendously enriched this city.”

The Mayor referred to Operation Metro Surge, an immigration and public safety initiative initiated during the Trump administration in Minnesota. This operation, which concluded in February, reportedly led to over 4,000 arrests in Minneapolis-St. Paul and aimed to address public safety threats.

Frey shared a video message on platform X, celebrating the resilience and cultural impacts of the Somali community in Minnesota. He noted the state’s Somali population is among the largest in the United States.

The House Oversight Committee alleged that Walz’s administration overlooked warnings about fraud related to state social services. This includes the Feeding Our Future scandal. Allegations suggest over 110 individuals have been implicated in fraud schemes, with some defendants from Minnesota’s Somali community. The report indicates hesitations over potential racial discrimination claims contributed to action delays, estimating losses of around $300 million in federal nutrition funds during the pandemic.

Walz administration officials have contested the committee’s report findings.