The Department of Justice is sending additional federal prosecutors to Minnesota to support ongoing investigations into alleged fraud and misuse of federal welfare funds. Attorney General Pamela Bondi said the move is aimed at ensuring “severe consequences in Minnesota” and emphasized that the DOJ is prepared to respond to similar cases in other states where taxpayer funds may be misused.
The surge of prosecutors comes as the House Oversight Committee holds a hearing on Capitol Hill Wednesday focused on allegations of fraud, largely within Minnesota’s Somali community. Witnesses include Republican lawmakers from Minnesota’s House and a former Justice Department special counsel.
Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Minn., criticized what he called “Somali fraud” during a press conference, urging that alleged perpetrators “be sent home.” He also questioned Democratic Gov. Tim Walz’s leadership, saying Walz’s decision to step down from his third gubernatorial term would not shield him from accountability.
“Walz is running scared,” Emmer said. “But dropping out won’t exempt him from the storm of accountability coming his way. Between the Oversight Committee’s investigation and federal action, he cannot hide.”
NBC News has contacted Gov. Walz’s office for comment. The DOJ’s intensified presence signals the administration’s determination to address alleged misuse of federal funds in Minnesota and underscores broader congressional scrutiny over state-level welfare fraud.