White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the Trump administration is considering revoking the citizenship of Somali Americans convicted of fraud amid a significant welfare scandal in Minnesota. This announcement indicates a notable escalation in the federal government's approach to pandemic-era fraud, which has raised concerns regarding due process and the potential targeting of immigrant communities.

Approximately 90 individuals have been charged with fraud related to various state and federal programs, including nutrition, health care, and housing assistance. In one specific case, the Feeding Our Future program, a Minnesota nonprofit, allegedly billed the government for hundreds of millions of meals that were never served, resulting in estimated taxpayer losses ranging from $250 million to $1 billion. Many of the defendants are of East African descent and are believed to be part of Minnesota's Somali community, the largest in the United States.

The Department of Justice began investigating these fraud schemes in 2022, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has increased its presence in Minnesota. Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has suspended all child care payments to the state pending further oversight.

Some leaders within the Somali community and immigrant advocacy groups have criticized the administration for allegedly using this situation to unfairly stigmatize an entire community rather than focusing on individual accountability. Denaturalization, the process of revoking U.S. citizenship, is uncommon, with an average of only 11 cases pursued annually from 1990 to 2017, according to the Immigrant Legal Resource Center.

House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, a Republican from Minnesota, expressed support for stringent measures against those accused of fraud, advocating for the deportation of individuals found guilty, including naturalized citizens. In contrast, Minnesota Democratic Governor Tim Walz criticized the funding cuts from HHS, suggesting that the issue is being politicized to undermine programs that support residents.

Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin noted that U.S. law allows for denaturalization if citizenship was obtained through fraudulent means. David Bier, director of immigration studies at the Cato Institute, clarified that while the administration can initiate proceedings for denaturalization, it requires substantial evidence of fraud.

Federal investigations may extend beyond Minnesota if similar fraudulent activities are identified in other states.