Federal agents raid 22 Minneapolis businesses in massive fraud investigation

Federal agents are currently conducting raids at 22 businesses in Minneapolis, Minnesota, as part of a significant federal fraud investigation. Reports indicate that this operation is tied to a viral YouTube video by Nick Shirley, which highlighted alleged fraud in childcare funding last December. In response to concerns, the Trump administration had previously frozen childcare funding and requested thorough audits of some childcare centers.

Jack Brewer, a former captain of the Minnesota Vikings and a player for the Minnesota Golden Gophers, has seen a range of illegal activities involving the Somali community in his state. Brewer noted he had previously witnessed an FBI raid targeting Somali individuals suspected of involvement in an ongoing welfare fraud scheme after seeing them purchase luxury sports cars during his time with the Vikings.

“Americans should celebrate today. Finally, we have an FBI that is standing up for the poor in this country and fighting against the corruption happening in Minneapolis and the surrounding areas. It’s literally robbing orphans and the needy,” Brewer told reporters on Tuesday.

“Thank God Kash Patel and the federal government stepped in because they’re really the only ones capable of dealing with this; Minnesota isn’t handling it on its own,” he added.

Authorities executed more than 20 search warrants on Tuesday morning, including at a childcare facility in Minneapolis. These search warrants were connected to a thorough investigation into a predominantly Somali-owned organization.

The focus of the raid is a federal fraud probe involving businesses largely owned by Somalis, including childcare centers that were registered with the state but were allegedly charging for services that weren’t provided. “They take advantage of vulnerable people,” commented Brewer about the accused perpetrators.

Brewer expressed concern that these individuals are infiltrating networks to share information on how to defraud the U.S. government while exploiting those the programs are meant to assist. “They’re essentially turning human suffering into their own business model,” he said.

Throughout his career, Brewer was a notable figure on the Minnesota Vikings, contributing significantly as a special teams player and team captain. He joined the Vikings as a free agent, participating in 15 games in 2002 and leading the team in special teams tackles.

He also noted that Minnesota has a high rate of fatherless households, particularly given that about 28 percent are single-family homes, primarily led by single mothers. Brewer emphasized that this vulnerability allows schemes to flourish among those skilled at manipulating the system.

“Many liberal cities, especially Minneapolis, have become lawless. There seems to be no accountability at any governmental level. It’s as if people are allowed to commit crimes repeatedly with little to no consequences,” he remarked.

Minnesota has faced scrutiny for Medicaid fraud for quite some time, highlighted by a $300 million pandemic fraud case involving a nonprofit called Feeding Our Future. This situation gained national attention again in 2025 when multiple convictions underscored the broader issue of fraud during the Trump administration.

Under the Biden administration in 2022, 47 individuals were indicted, and by December, 57 had been sentenced, either through guilty pleas or trial losses, most notably among those of Somali descent.