ICE investigates suspected Minnesota fraud sites

ICE Director Todd Lyons joins 'Fox & Friends' to discuss the processes being used by ICE agents in collaboration with local law enforcement to crack down on the perpetrators of massive fraud across the state.

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The No. 2 Republican in the House of Representatives believes it’s time to deport Somalis who participated in expansive fraud in Minnesota – even if they hold citizenship. 

"I have three words regarding Somalis who have committed fraud against American taxpayers: Send them home," Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Minn., said in a press release Monday evening.

LOEFFLER: VAST NETWORK OF SOMALI NONPROFITS RIPPED OFF MINNESOTA’S WELFARE STATE

Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Minn., during a television interview at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 30, 2025. (Graeme Sloan/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

"If they’re here illegally, deport them immediately; if they’re naturalized citizens, revoke their citizenship and deport them quickly thereafter. If we need to change the law to do that, I will."

Emmer’s statement comes after recent revelations that fraud schemes targeting government benefit programs in the North Star State may have robbed taxpayers of up to $9 billion. 

In recent months, investigators have uncovered sweeping fraud schemes masquerading as daycare centers, medical providers and food assistance programs, siphoning millions in government funds by fabricating services or inflating the number of people they claimed to serve.

According to Emmer, 90% of the people charged with fraud have a Somali background.

"Our nation will not tolerate those who take advantage of our charity and refuse to assimilate into our culture," Emmer said.

STATE OFFICIALS AND DAYCARE MANAGER PUSH BACK ON VIRAL VIDEO FRAUD ALLEGATIONS IN MINNESOTA

U.S. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer speaks to reporters during a news conference after a House GOP conference meeting on Capitol Hill on Dec. 2, 2025 in Washington, D.C. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)