There’s no doubt that for some years already some interests in the Somali immigrant community in Minnesota have been defrauding American taxpayers.
Estimates are that the damage total is $9 billion or so.
The schemes were as simple as claiming to provide meals for needy children, not providing any meals, and then billing the government for millions.
The fallout already has started with dozens of convictions and a judge’s order that one schemer has to give up her Porsche, her diamond jewelry, her designer handbag, and more.
And while the evidence against the actual schemers already is being documented in court, the information about state officials who apparently knew, and possibly even allowed it, isn’t as clear.
But it will be, with brand new referrals to the Department of Justice for investigation of Gov. Tim Walz and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison.
BREAKING: Tim Walz and AG Keith Ellison officially criminally referred to the DOJ for investigation and prosecution over mass Minnesota fraud.
REP. ANNA PAULINA LUNA: “I am writing to formally refer Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to the Department of Justice for criminal… pic.twitter.com/THhAKmNhhN
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) January 8, 2026
Based on testimony today, I have enough evidence to believe both @GovTimWalz and @keithellison were knowingly complicit in a Somali fraud scheme in Minnesota.
Therefore I have referred them BOTH to the DOJ for criminal charges. May justice be swift. The American people are tired… pic.twitter.com/aEWM89vTj4
— Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (@RepLuna) January 7, 2026
Today I referred any and every criminal found guilty of fraud regarding Minnesota fraud scheme to be denaturalized and sent for detainment in El Salvador’s high security prison CECOT.
U.S. citizenship is a privilege not a right, and according to legal statute any person found… pic.twitter.com/N545CFEorq
— Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (@RepLuna) January 7, 2026
The referrals, from Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., came in two separate letters to Attorney General Pam Bondi.
They seek accountability for taxpayer fraud and answers to whether those state officials are liable.
Witnesses have suggested online that some state officials knew of the fraudulent billings to multiple social services programs, but were reluctant to take action because of the Somalia community’s voting bloc status for Democrats.
The letters charge that there are indications that “leadership” within the state “was aware of these issues and nevertheless permitted the conduct to continue.”
The DOJ has confirmed receipt of criminal referrals for @GovTimWalz & @AGEllison. I look forward to the findings of the investigation and potential prosecution.
— Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (@RepLuna) January 8, 2026
Luna, in fact, has revealed that the DOJ has confirmed receipt of her referrals, and she looks forward “to the findings of the investigation and potential prosecution.”
