Federal agents carried out coordinated raids at 22 sites across Minnesota on Tuesday morning, including several child care facilities, as part of a broad investigation into alleged fraud involving social services programs.

Authorities indicated that, unlike the winter operation known as Operation Metro Surge, this round of enforcement was not tied to immigration issues. Instead, it reportedly centered on businesses with connections to the Somali-American community.

“Today the FBI with federal, state and local law enforcement is involved in court-authorized law enforcement activity as part of an ongoing fraud investigation,” a Justice Department official told The Post.

Among the locations searched was the Quality Learning Center, a Minneapolis daycare that has drawn attention in the past for a spelling error on its exterior sign.

The latest enforcement action comes amid a broader push by President Trump to crack down on fraud nationwide. During his February State of the Union address, he declared a “war on fraud” and assigned Vice President JD Vance to oversee a task force spearheading the initiative.

Investigations in Minnesota have increasingly focused on abuses tied to programs launched during the pandemic, particularly those involving food distribution and autism-related services, where officials say significant taxpayer funds were misused.

Since September, federal prosecutors have brought charges against seven individuals accused of orchestrating a scheme that allegedly involved signing up children for nonexistent autism services, generating approximately $14 million in fraudulent claims. One of those charged has already admitted guilt.

In a separate case, prosecutors have charged at least 65 people in connection with the Feeding Our Future scheme, which authorities say siphoned roughly $250 million from government programs. Numerous defendants in that case have entered guilty pleas as the sprawling prosecution continues, a case that began under the Biden administration.

Federal officials estimate that fraud in Minnesota may total as much as $19 billion, with dozens of individuals already facing criminal charges tied to various schemes.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz recently acknowledged shortcomings in oversight during a congressional hearing, expressing regret that stronger safeguards were not implemented. He noted that he accepted responsibility for the failures by deciding earlier this year not to seek a third term in office.

{Matzav.com}