Full Breakdown
Governor Tim Walz’s Final State of the State Address: Fraud Raids, Immigration Enforcement, and Legislative Agenda
4/30/2026, 2:58:00 AM
Final Address and Same-Day Fraud Raids
On Tuesday, April 28 2024, Governor Tim Walz delivered his eighth and final State of the State address to a joint session of the Minnesota Legislature. The speech began hours after federal agents executed 22 search warrants at day-care and autism-center facilities, an operation described by local media as part of ongoing fraud investigations.
Context: Fraud Scandals and Operation Metro Surge
Walz’s second term has been marked by the “Feeding Our Future” fraud scheme, which prosecutors called the nation’s largest pandemic fraud operation, and by the federal “Operation Metro Surge” immigration enforcement campaign that has cut revenues and prompted calls for state aid.
Financial Impact and Scope of Raids
Attorney General Keith Ellison’s filing reports a $600 million loss in revenue and $240 million in wages for Minneapolis and St. Paul due to the immigration surge. Federal agents executed “close to two dozen” (?24) search warrants, though another report cites 22. Walz has served seven years and has eight months left in office.
Official Statements & Responses
The governor’s office said the address will focus on preparing Minnesota for “the economy of the future” and on anti-fraud legislation. Walz stressed that state-federal information sharing lets agencies “catch criminals” and that “joint investigations work.” Attorney General Ellison’s filing quantified the immigration-surge fiscal hit and urged targeted aid. The FBI called the raids routine fraud enforcement.
Criticism & Opposition
Republican leaders have repeatedly attacked Walz for perceived mishandling of fraud cases, a criticism he cited when announcing he would not seek a third term. Rep. Greg Davids warned the address “probably will have less of an impact, because so many things are already done,” reflecting skepticism about Walz’s influence in the session’s closing weeks.
Verbatim Quotes
- “If you commit fraud in Minnesota, you’re going to get caught — and that’s exactly what we saw today,” — Tim Walz, Governor
- “We catch criminals when state and federal agencies share information. Joint investigations work, and securing justice depends on it.” — Tim Walz
- “I'm hopeful that this chapter will be as productive as the previous seven — in fact, I'm insistent that it will,” — Tim Walz
- “But let me be clear: In Minnesota, if you defraud public programs, if you steal taxpayer money, we'll find you, we'll prosecute you, we'll convict you and we'll throw you in jail.” — Tim Walz
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
One source describes the raids as “close to two dozen” search warrants, while another cites 22, creating a minor discrepancy. No source details which facilities were targeted or the outcomes of the investigations, leaving a gap in public understanding.
What’s Next
Walz’s team plans to introduce anti-fraud legislation and a relief package for municipalities hit by Operation Metro Surge. The Legislature will debate these measures in the final weeks of the 2024 session, and any bills will need Walz’s signature before his term ends in January 2027.
