AfriPulse
Over the weekend, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey addressed members of the city’s Somali community, affirming them as “our family.” During a speech to mark Somali Independence Day, he expressed both solidarity and appreciation for their significant contributions to the city.
Frey’s comments take place amidst Minnesota’s ongoing scrutiny over several well-publicized fraud investigations. This follows a report from the Republican-led House Oversight Committee that critiqued Governor Tim Walz’s administration for alleged inaction regarding repeated warnings about pervasive fraud in the state’s social services programs.
“During the toughest times and throughout Operation Metro Surge, we witnessed attempts to target certain individuals among us,” Frey stated to gathering members of the Somali community on Saturday. “In these instances, we believe an attack on one is an attack on all.”
“In Minneapolis, we cherish our neighbors. We don’t view you as immigrants; we consider you family,” Frey emphasized. “You are our brothers and sisters, and your remarkable contributions to this city are invaluable. We proudly stand with you.”
Frey seemed to allude to Operation Metro Surge, a Trump administration initiative targeting immigration and public safety within Minnesota.
The operation concluded in February after border czar Tom Homan announced it had resulted in the arrest of more than 4,000 people in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area and had reduced what he described as public safety threats.
Frey shared the video on X, writing, “Happy Somali Independence Day.”
“Here in Minnesota, home to one of the largest Somali communities in the United States, we celebrate the resilience, culture, and leadership that continue to enrich our city and community,” he said.
Earlier this month, a Republican-led House Oversight Committee report alleged Walz’s administration repeatedly failed to act on warnings about fraud involving state social services programs, including the Feeding Our Future scandal.
The committee said more than 110 people have been charged in connection with various fraud schemes in Minnesota, including many defendants identified as members of Minnesota’s Somali immigrant community.
The report also alleged concerns about potential racial discrimination claims contributed to delays in addressing suspected fraud and estimated Minnesota lost roughly $300 million in stolen federal child nutrition funds during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Walz administration officials have disputed the committee’s findings.
Fox News Digital’s Adam Pack contributed to this report.
Source: NewsFinale | Read the Full Story…
