FBI Director Kash Patel said a major fraud case in Minnesota “is just the tip of a very large iceberg,” adding that some convicted scammers could face referrals to immigration authorities for possible denaturalization and deportation proceedings.
In a lengthy statement posted on social media, Patel said the FBI had “surged personnel and investigative resources” to Minnesota to pursue fraud schemes before they drew widespread attention online.
Law enforcement sources said federal agents executed a search warrant on Dec. 18, 2025, at Ultimate Home Health Services, a Somali-owned home care agency, as part of a widening investigation into alleged Medicaid fraud in the state.
Many of those indicted in the broader set of cases have been from Minnesota’s Somali community, which is the largest immigrant group in the state.
Patel said the FBI had dismantled what he described as a $250 million scheme involving federal food aid intended for children during the COVID era.
“The investigation exposed sham vendors, shell companies, and large-scale money laundering tied to the Feeding Our Future network,” he wrote.
The case resulted in 78 indictments and 57 convictions, Patel said.
He listed defendants including Abdiwahab Ahmed Mohamud, Ahmed Ali, Hussein Farah, Abdullahe Nur Jesow, Asha Farhan Hassan, Ousman Camara, and Abdirashid Bixi Dool, saying they faced charges ranging from wire fraud to money laundering and conspiracy.
Patel also said Abdimajid Mohamed Nur and others were charged with attempting to bribe a juror with $120,000 in cash, adding that those involved pleaded guilty and received sentences. He cited a 10-year prison term and nearly $48 million in restitution in related cases.
“The FBI believes this is just the tip of a very large iceberg. We will continue to follow the money and protect children, and this investigation very much remains ongoing,” Patel wrote.
He added that “many are also being referred to immigrations officials for possible further denaturalization and deportation proceedings where eligible.”
Patel’s comments followed a viral social media video that highlighted alleged fraud involving Minnesota child care and learning centers. The video, shared by independent journalist Nick Shirley, claimed multiple facilities appeared to be non-operational fronts.
Several Republican officials responded to the video, criticizing Gov. Tim Walz and alleging the state failed to act sooner.
Walz addressed fraud concerns at a press conference in November, before what some officials later described as the full scope of alleged abuse became clearer. He said the scandal “undermines trust in government” and harms programs that are “absolutely critical in improving quality of life.”
“If you’re committing fraud, no matter where you come from, what you look like, what you believe, you are going to go to jail,” Walz said.
Shirley disputed Walz’s stance during an appearance on Fox’s “The Big Weekend Show” on Sunday, arguing the governor “wants votes,” and saying public pressure is demanding reforms.
The alleged schemes described in the report date back to 2015, when day care centers were accused of overcharging Minnesota’s Child Care Assistance Program. More recent allegations have involved Medicaid-funded disability-related schemes, including a housing program intended to help seniors and disabled people find and move into housing.
After what authorities called “large-scale fraud,” that program was shut down earlier this year.
President Trump last month announced he was suspending Temporary Protected Status for Somali immigrants, saying Minnesota was “a hub of fraudulent money laundering activity.”
