Minneapolis Mayor Frey Expresses Support for Somali Community Amid Fraud Allegations Against State

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey recently addressed members of the city’s Somali community during a Somali Independence Day celebration. He expressed solidarity, describing them as “family” and praised their contributions to the city.

Frey’s remarks come in the context of Minnesota facing scrutiny over multiple fraud investigations. This follows a Republican-led House Oversight Committee report accusing the administration of Governor Tim Walz of ignoring warnings about rampant fraud in social services programs.

“Through the most difficult times and through Operation Metro Surge, we saw attempts to target some of us,” Frey told the Somali community. “And when that occurs, we say that you are targeting all of us.”

Operation Metro Surge was a Trump administration initiative aimed at immigration and public safety in Minnesota. It concluded after reportedly resulting in over 4,000 arrests in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, aiming to address public safety concerns.

Mayor Frey, during his remarks, emphasized community ties: “In Minneapolis, we love our neighbors. We do not view you as immigrants. You are our family—our brothers and sisters—and we stand with you.”

Earlier this month, the House Oversight Committee alleged that Walz’s administration ignored warnings of fraud in state social services, including the Feeding Our Future scandal. More than 110 people have been charged, with some identified as part of Minnesota’s Somali immigrant community.

The committee’s report highlights delays in addressing suspected fraud, partly due to concerns about racial discrimination claims. It estimates around $300 million in federal child nutrition funds were misappropriated during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Walz administration officials have contested the committee’s findings.