Homeland Security agents moved into multiple locations after a viral investigation raised questions about billions in alleged fraud tied to childcare and healthcare operations.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Federal agents with the Department of Homeland Security were deployed across Minneapolis on Monday, conducting door-to-door inquiries at locations suspected of large-scale fraud tied to Somali-run childcare and healthcare operations, according to officials and public statements.
Agents were seen going door-to-door at multiple sites following a viral investigation by journalist Nick Shirley, whose reporting detailed what prosecutors say could amount to billions of dollars in fraudulent Medicaid and childcare claims in Minnesota. Shirley’s investigation, which has circulated widely online, highlighted facilities that claimed extensive enrollment while appearing to operate without children present, as revealed in his reporting.
WATCH:
As previously reported, Shirley confronted workers at a Minneapolis childcare center that reported caring for 102 children while receiving millions of dollars in public funding. During the encounter, Shirley asked basic questions about the absence of children at the site, prompting a worker to shut the door on him.
“We’re just wondering where the children are,” said a man identified as David, who has investigated suspected Somali-linked fraud schemes for years. “It says you have 102 children here, and you got $2.66 million this year in funding. And $2.5 million last year. We’re just wondering where the kids are.”
After being asked to identify himself, Shirley responded, “My name is Nick Shirley,” and added that he wanted to know where the public money was going. The interaction ended abruptly when the door was closed.
Investigators say that incident represents only a small portion of a much broader alleged scheme. Prosecutors have indicated that Somali-linked healthcare and childcare fraud in Minnesota could exceed $9 billion, based on ongoing investigations and preliminary estimates.
On Monday, federal agents expanded their presence, moving into Somali-owned businesses across Minneapolis. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the operation, saying federal investigators were actively conducting a large-scale probe.
“Homeland Security Investigations @ICEGov are on the ground in Minneapolis right now conducting a massive investigation on childcare and other rampant fraud,” Noem said. “More coming.”
In a separate statement, Homeland Security said agents were “on the ground in Minneapolis, going DOOR TO DOOR at suspected fraud sites,” adding that accountability and enforcement are central to the operation.
“The American people deserve answers on how their taxpayer money is being used and ARRESTS when abuse is found,” the statement said. “Under the leadership of @Sec_Noem, DHS is working to deliver results.”
Federal officials have not yet announced arrests or formal charges tied to Monday’s operations, but authorities said the investigation remains active and ongoing.
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