Full Breakdown
Federal Raids Target Childcare and Medicaid Fraud in Minnesota
4/30/2026, 6:54:01 AM
Federal Raids Target Childcare and Medicaid Fraud
On Tuesday, April 28, 2026, federal agents executed 22 search warrants at childcare centers and related sites in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. The Department of Homeland Security, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the U.S. Attorney’s Office seized boxes of records tied to alleged fraud in publicly funded nutrition, housing and autism-service programs for children.
Background, Timeline, and Scale
Fraud emerged in the pandemic-era Feeding Our Future school-meal program, estimated at $300 million in losses. A 2019 audit flagged $100 million-plus annual losses in a childcare subsidy. President Donald Trump cited these scandals to launch Operation Metro Surge in early December 2025, deploying about 3,000 officers and prompting over 4,000 arrests—most Hispanic, contrary to the administration’s Somali focus. Nick Shirley’s video alleging fake Somali-run childcare centers was dismissed by state inspectors. Aimee Bock was convicted of conspiracy, wire fraud and bribery and awaits sentencing on May 21, 2026.
Data & Statistics
$300 million loss is estimated for Feeding Our Future; the 2019 audit suggested $100 million-plus annually in a childcare subsidy. Since 2018, $18 billion in federal funds has supported 14 Minnesota children’s programs, with half or more possibly misappropriated. About 80 defendants have been charged, at least 65 convicted. The April 2026 raids executed 22 warrants at five sites.
Official Statements & Responses
Trump called Minnesota a “hub of fraudulent money-laundering activity” to justify Operation Metro Surge. Thompson labeled the scheme industrial-scale and said the fraud’s magnitude “cannot be overstated.” Attorney General Ellison highlighted state-federal cooperation and the lengthy investigative process.
Criticism & Opposition
Protests followed two deaths by federal officers and grew after the raids. Critics noted the Somali-focused rhetoric conflicted with data showing most arrests were Hispanic. State inspectors rejected Shirley’s claims of fake Somali-run centers.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Thompson’s estimate that “half or more” of $18 billion was stolen exceeds documented losses in charged cases. The $300 million Feeding Our Future figure is an estimate, not a final tally. Authorities have not set a timeline for additional charges from the April 2026 searches.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Somali gangs are terrorizing the people of that great State, and BILLIONS of Dollars are missing. Send them back to where they came from,” — Donald Trump, former President
- “a hub of fraudulent money laundering activity” — Donald Trump, former President (statement)
- “The magnitude cannot be overstated,” — Joe Thompson, First Assistant U.S. Attorney
- “What we see in Minnesota is not a handful of bad actors committing crimes. It’s staggering, industrial-scale fraud.” — Joe Thompson, First Assistant U.S. Attorney
What’s Next
Federal prosecutors will review the seized records and may seek further indictments. Aimee Bock’s May 21 sentencing could set a precedent. State and local agencies pledge continued monitoring of Medicaid and childcare subsidies, while community groups plan additional demonstrations against the immigration enforcement strategy.
