Hennepin County (trfnews.i234.me) — Federal officials say they are reviewing new claims about Minnesota tax dollars and possible links to a Somalia-based terror group, as national debate continues over Somali immigration and oversight of public funds.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency has drawn attention in the Twin Cities. A report in the New York Times says ICE was directed during the Trump administration to focus on undocumented Somali immigrants in the metro area. That report has renewed concern in the Somali community about past and current enforcement efforts.
The Times story follows recent social media posts from former President Donald Trump. In a Thanksgiving message, he claimed Somali refugees are “completely taking over the once great State of Minnesota.” In the same post, he used a slur for people with intellectual disabilities while referring to Governor Tim Walz. Trump has also said that “Somali gangs are terrorizing the people of that great state.” Community groups and disability advocates have criticized the language as hurtful and misleading.
Trump previously pushed changes to federal immigration policy that affected Somali residents. His administration ordered all green card holders from Somalia and more than a dozen other countries to be reexamined. He also said he would end Temporary Protected Status for Somalis living in the United States. That move would affect hundreds of people in Minnesota if fully enforced.
On Monday, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent added a new element to the debate. In a social media post, Bessent said the department is investigating claims that some Minnesota tax dollars were diverted to the militant group Al-Shabaab. The U.S. State Department lists Al-Shabaab as a foreign terrorist organization based in Somalia.
Bessent wrote that the alleged diversion of funds happened “under the feckless mismanagement of the Biden Administration and Governor Tim Walz.” He said the goal of the probe is to make sure American tax dollars do not support terrorism. The secretary said the department will share more information as the investigation continues.
In his post, Bessent praised former President Trump’s leadership. He said that guidance helped the Treasury Department move quickly to begin the review. The department has not yet released public evidence about the alleged diversion. State officials in Minnesota have not released a full response to Bessent’s claims.
Al-Shabaab has been active in Somalia for years. The group has carried out bombings and attacks across the region. U.S. officials have imposed sanctions and other measures to block support for the group. National security analysts say any proof of U.S. funds reaching Al-Shabaab would raise serious legal and diplomatic concerns.
For Minnesota, the latest investigation comes as the state’s Somali community continues to watch both local and national politics. Leaders in the community say they fear broad blame for the actions of a small number of people. They also say they want clear facts about any fraud or terror links and fair treatment for law-abiding residents.
Federal officials have not announced a timeline for the Treasury probe. More information may come from future public statements, court filings, or congressional hearings. TRF News will continue to follow developments in both the immigration and financial investigations.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.