Minnesota Fraud Probe Spurs Calls to Denaturalize, Deport Somali Americans

Ninety individuals, primarily Somali and East African Minnesotans, have been charged in an alleged scheme to misuse state and federal nutrition, healthcare, and housing benefits.

Authorities estimate taxpayer losses between $250 million and $1 billion, alleging coordinated fraud across multiple assistance programs, with Newsweek reporting details of the scope.

Investigations and audits have concentrated on Minnesota communities with large Somali populations; federal guidance prompted reviews and staggered prosecutions and audits across jurisdictions.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the Trump administration is considering denaturalizing Somali Americans in Minnesota convicted of social services fraud, raising the prospect of revocations and deportations.

Civil liberties groups and community leaders warn that targeted denaturalization and heightened scrutiny risk civil-rights violations and eroding trust, while authorities emphasize fraud recovery and accountability as motives.