By Savannah Hulsey Pointer

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has launched an investigation in Minnesota, joining other federal agencies that are probing fraudulent use of federal funds in other areas.

The USCIS said on Jan. 9 that the agency, under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), launched an operation in Minnesota in mid-December to reexamine refugee cases that have resulted in immigrants settling in the state. 

The announcement came a day after an ICE officer fatally shot a woman inside a vehicle as it drove toward the agent during an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis.

The incident sparked outrage from local Democratic leaders and has led to protests.

The Department of Homeland Security has said the officer acted in self-defense.

Fraud in Minnesota has been in the national spotlight as dozens have been indicted or convicted in welfare fraud cases in the state. A recent viral video also alleged that some child care centers are possibly misusing hundreds of millions of dollars in welfare funds. 

Operation Parris—Post-Admission Refugee Reverification and Integrity Strengthening—will focus first on Minnesota’s 5,600 refugees who have not yet been given lawful status.

The operation will conduct thorough background checks, reinterview applicants for green cards, and explore merit reviews of the current refugee claims.

“Minnesota is ground zero for the war on fraud,” said a DHS spokesperson. “This operation in Minnesota demonstrates that the Trump administration will not stand idly by as the U.S. immigration system is weaponized by those seeking to defraud the American people. American citizens and the rule of law come first, always.”

Last month, a federal prosecutor suggested that more than half of the roughly $18 billion in federal funds supporting 14 programs in Minnesota since 2018 may have been stolen.

A majority of the programs named as defendants were involved in child nutrition, housing, and autism services run by Somali Americans.

USCIS stated that the operation is part of the Trump administration’s order requiring federal agencies to use enhanced vetting and safeguards to protect the nation from foreign terrorists and other public safety threats.

The Department of State has also tightened security since the start of the current administration, rescinding 85,000 visas across all categories since President Donald Trump’s inauguration in January. 

Primary reasons for the revocations included DUIs, assaults, and theft, which the Department of State said constituted a threat to safety. 

As Minnesota’s fraud case has expanded, the Department of Health and Human Services announced that the Administration for Children and Families was halting all federal subsidies to Minnesota and other states, pending further oversight by the department.

Minnesota Democratic Gov. Tim Walz ended his bid for a third term in office in the aftermath of the controversy.

Trump administration officials have announced investigations into other areas of possible fraud, including President Donald Trump, who said on Jan. 6 that California would be the next target. 

The president alleged on social media that the Golden State could have more fraud than Minnesota.