FBI Director Kash Patel publicly rebuked Minnesota Governor Tim Walz after the governor claimed credit for Tuesday’s federal raids targeting childcare fraud schemes across Minneapolis, despite federal agents and independent journalists doing the investigative work.
Federal Operation, Not State Initiative
Federal agents executed search warrants at approximately 20 childcare centers in Minneapolis on Tuesday morning as part of an ongoing investigation into suspected COVID-era fraud schemes. The Justice Department confirmed FBI agents led the operation with minimal state involvement. No arrests were made during the raids, though officials described the effort as a renewed federal crackdown following months of national scrutiny on Minnesota’s childcare programs. The warrants and any potential charges will remain under federal jurisdiction.
🚨 MAJOR RAIDS IN MINNEAPOLIS
Federal agents hit the Somali Senior Center & Adult Day Services this morning as part of a sweeping fraud investigation.
Over 20 search warrants were executed across the Twin Cities targeting alleged Somali fraud networks.pic.twitter.com/8ZPOaEoqVR
— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) April 28, 2026
Governor Claims Credit Despite Minimal Role
Walz posted on social media claiming Minnesota state agencies caught irregular behavior and reported it, suggesting state officials drove the investigation. FBI Director Patel quickly responded, making clear that independent investigative journalists, including Nick Shirley and David Hoch, along with federal agents, conducted the heavy lifting. These journalists exposed the fraudulent operations to the point where even state authorities could no longer ignore the evidence. Patel’s rebuke highlighted that investigators across multiple states have uncovered similar fraud patterns in Ohio, Idaho, Washington, Maine, Oregon, and Pennsylvania.
Pattern of Inaction and Resistance
The incident reflects a broader pattern from the Minnesota governor, who previously denied wrongdoing in his state until faced with overwhelming evidence. Walz has also resisted federal authorities performing their duties regarding illegal immigration enforcement. The governor, who ran as a vice-presidential candidate in the previous election cycle, now faces criticism for attempting to take credit for federal law enforcement work while his own administration remained largely inactive on the fraud issue until federal intervention forced action.