Walz Issues Bizarre Statement Following FBI Fraud Raids In Minneapolis

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is facing renewed scrutiny after appearing to shift his stance on fraud enforcement—just as federal authorities launched sweeping raids tied to alleged abuse of taxpayer-funded programs in Minneapolis.

In a series of posts on X, Walz struck a markedly tougher tone, declaring that fraudsters would be held accountable and suggesting coordination between state and federal agencies. “If you commit fraud in Minnesota you’re going to get caught — and that’s exactly what we saw today. We catch criminals when state and federal agencies share information. Joint investigations work, and securing justice depends on it,” Walz wrote.

He went further, claiming credit for the developments: “Today’s raids by state and federal law enforcement happened because our state agencies caught irregular behavior and reported it. That’s how the system is supposed to work, and our agencies will keep at it as long as there are fraudsters around to put behind bars.”

That assertion drew an immediate and pointed response from FBI Director Kash Patel, who pushed back on Walz’s characterization of events. “Come again? This FBI and DOJ with our DHS partners drafted and executed every search warrant today. But go ahead and take credit for our work while we smoke out the fraud plaguing Minnesota under your governorship.”

The criticism didn’t stop there. Markwayne Mullin, serving as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, also rebuked Walz sharply. “You have zero credibility on this issue,” he wrote. “@GovTimWalz, you have willingly ignored and downplayed the rampant fraud and abuse in Minnesota. This crackdown on fraud has come thanks to the leadership of President Trump. We will hold those who steal from Americans accountable.”

Complicating Walz’s claims, the City of Minneapolis issued a statement distancing itself from the operation. “The City of Minneapolis is not involved in the federal operations being reported around Minnesota today, and as of 9:30 a.m., MPD [Minneapolis Police Dept.] has not been asked to assist with the execution of federal warrants.”

The raids come amid growing attention to alleged large-scale fraud involving childcare and related programs in the region. Independent journalist Nick Shirley has played a central role in bringing those concerns to light, publishing a series of widely viewed investigative videos examining what he describes as systemic abuse, including inactive daycare centers still receiving substantial public funding.

His initial 42-minute report, released in January, drew massive online engagement and intensified pressure on federal agencies to act. In response, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced a freeze on certain child care payments in Minnesota pending further review.

Despite the attention, several mainstream outlets—including CNN, PBS, and The New York Times—initially downplayed the findings, framing them as viral content rather than investigative reporting. That response drew criticism from media watchdogs and commentators who argued the story warranted more serious scrutiny.

As federal investigators continue to pursue leads, the clash between state leadership and federal officials highlights deeper tensions over accountability, oversight, and the handling of taxpayer funds.

With the administration of Donald J. Trump emphasizing aggressive action against fraud, the Minnesota case could become a defining example of how such efforts unfold—and who ultimately gets credit for exposing wrongdoing.