Federal officials recently disclosed that nearly half of all immigrants in the greater Minneapolis area were involved in some form of immigration fraud. This followed a September enforcement sweep led by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, which uncovered violations including sham marriages and falsified documents. The findings drew attention due to Minnesota’s longstanding Somali immigrant community, which has grown significantly over the past 30 years.

In 2008, concerns about fraudulent applications led the U.S. State Department to suspend a Somali family reunification program after DNA tests revealed many claimed familial ties were false. Officials cited this as evidence of ongoing fraud issues, though critics point to systemic flaws and lack of oversight as contributing factors.

Rep. Ilhan Omar, a prominent Minnesota congresswoman, has faced persistent public speculation about her marital history. Allegations suggest she married a relative for immigration purposes, which Omar denies; no legal charges have been filed. Media attention has focused on a 2009 marriage to Ahmed Nur Said Elmi, but conclusive evidence about the relationship’s nature is unavailable. Omar has also been scrutinized for filing joint tax returns with a previous partner while still legally married to another man. Her campaign described the issue as confusion, and no formal action has resulted. Omar denies all allegations, calling them politically motivated.

Beyond immigration, investigations have targeted financial fraud within the local Somali community. Notably, the Feeding Our Future case involved misuse of COVID-19 relief funds, resulting in federal charges and taxpayer losses. Authorities have also uncovered broader Medicaid fraud schemes linked to Minnesota residents, with ongoing investigations and billions in projected losses.