Full Breakdown
FBI Executes Search Warrants in Minnesota Daycare Centers Amid Fraud Probe
4/29/2026, 2:03:56 AM
Coordinated Raids Target Daycare and Autism Centers
On April 28, 2026, federal agents executed 22 search warrants in Minnesota, seizing records at ten daycare centers, five autism centers, and other businesses in the Twin Cities. The FBI, DOJ, DHS, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and the state child-welfare agency participated.
Alleged Multi-Billion-Dollar Fraud
The raids target an alleged diversion of federal child-nutrition and care funds, with potential losses up to $19 billion. The probe began under the Biden administration and was amplified by the Trump administration, which highlighted fraud among Somali-American childcare operators. Over 60 convictions have resulted from earlier cases.
Scope and Numbers
Officials reported 22 warrants, searches at ten daycare centers, five autism centers, and other sites. The alleged fraud totals up to $19 billion, and more than 60 convictions have stemmed from prior investigations.
Official Statements & Responses
Governor Tim Walz posted on X that state reports of irregular behavior prompted the raids and said “joint investigations work, and securing justice depends on it.” FBI Director Kash Patel said the FBI, DOJ and DHS drafted and executed every warrant, rejecting any political credit. DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin called Walz’s credibility “zero” on fraud issues. A Justice Department spokesperson confirmed the FBI’s activity was court-authorized and involved federal, state and local partners.
Criticism & Opposition
Influencer Nick Shirley posted a video alleging Somali-American operators ran fake childcare centers to collect subsidies, a claim later disputed by inspectors. President Donald Trump has described Somali immigrants in demeaning terms, raising concerns the raids serve retribution. Candace Yates, executive director of Child Care Aware of Minnesota, warned that while most providers “are in business to do good business,” a few exploit broken systems.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The City of Minneapolis’s X account said the city was not involved in the federal operation and that the Minneapolis Police Department had not been asked to assist. Other sources reported participation by state agencies, including the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. No public list of targeted entities or details of seized evidence has been released, leaving the exact scope of the alleged fraud unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Come again? This FBI and DOJ with our DHS partners drafted and executed every search warrant today. But go ahead and take credit for our work while we smoke out the fraud plaguing Minnesota under your governorship,” — Kash Patel, FBI Director
- “If you commit fraud in Minnesota you’re going to get caught — and that’s exactly what we saw today.” — Tim Walz, Governor of Minnesota
- “You have *zero* credibility on this issue.” — Markwayne Mullin, Secretary of Homeland Security
- “The American people deserve to know how their taxpayer money was abused. … No stone will be left unturned,” — Department of Homeland Security spokesperson
What’s Next
Investigators said the probe remains active, with further warrants possible as seized records are examined. Legal challenges, including a pending request to block a Medicaid funding cut, continue.
