Homeland Security agents are in Minneapolis this week to tackle concerns about childcare fraud and other related crimes. According to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) are set to inspect over 30 locations in the city.
Videos have surfaced showing HSI agents checking different sites, including a smoke shop. The primary goal of HSI is to investigate serious crimes like child exploitation and fraud. In recent years, many of HSI’s resources have been directed toward immigration enforcement.
When asked if the current investigation focuses more on fraud or immigration, a senior DHS official indicated that it’s a mix of both.
This investigation follows comments from FBI Director Kash Patel, who stated that previous fraud arrests in Minnesota are “just the tip of a very large iceberg.” Patel mentioned that the agency has increased its resources in the state to tackle the issue.
A recent estimate suggested that fraud within Minnesota’s Medicaid programs could reach as high as $9 billion—a figure that state officials, including Governor Tim Walz, have challenged. Earlier this month, Walz supported a more conservative estimate of $1 billion, which includes fraud allegations related to the Feeding Our Future program, though this is not directly managed by DHS.
Additionally, federal investigations are underway into all 14 Medicaid programs identified as high-risk for fraud. According to First Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson, these programs are also subject to audits by third parties.
To date, more than 90 individuals have been implicated in these fraud cases, with many facing convictions. This situation has put Governor Walz’s administration in a challenging position, drawing scrutiny from various political figures, including former President Trump.
As these investigations unfold, they underscore the need for greater oversight and accountability in government programs. According to the National Association of Medicaid Fraud Control Units, fraud in Medicaid is a persistent issue, with billions lost annually across the United States. Addressing these problems effectively is crucial for the integrity of essential social services.
For more detailed information, you can refer to CBS News for ongoing updates on this developing story.
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