DHS Secretary Accuses Minnesota Gov. of Enabling Immigrant Fraud

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem, speaking during Tuesday’s cabinet meeting, issued sharp criticism against Minnesota Governor Tim Walz regarding alleged widespread fraud connected to visas and government programs in the state.

In her remarks addressed to President Donald Trump, Secretary Noem stated that 50% of visa-related cases in Minnesota are fraudulent. She further characterized Governor Walz as “either an idiot or he did it on purpose,” suggesting both incompetence and deliberate intent behind allowing such fraud.

Noem alleged that immigrants living in Minnesota were involved in marriages with relatives like brothers to exploit the system, leading to what she termed “fraudulent visa applications.” She asserted that these fraudulent applications resulted in individuals entering the U.S. illegally, costing taxpayers hundreds of billions of dollars.

The DHS administrator emphasized that her department intends to recoup taxpayer funds and remove those present unlawfully from the country. Additionally, Noem declared that under her leadership, positions would be filled by people who “love this country and have its back.”

Her comments align with recent federal immigration enforcement efforts focused on Minnesota. The Department of Justice reported 78 charges filed in connection to alleged participation in a canceled DHS Child Nutrition Program, while the U.S. Attorney’s Office described a major COVID-19-related fraud scheme as unfolding there. Furthermore, “Operation Twin Shield” earlier this fall uncovered 275 suspected fraud cases in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, involving allegations of visa application and marriage-related deception.