Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is facing heightened criticism following the exposure of a massive welfare fraud scheme that prosecutors say was carried out by individuals within the state’s Somali community. The scheme, which amounted to hundreds of millions of dollars during the COVID-19 pandemic, has drawn national attention and renewed questions about state oversight.
Walz, speaking at a Tuesday fundraiser, said Minnesota would “welcome more in,” adding that the state would “defend our neighbors” rather than “demonize” Somali residents. Asked about accountability for the fraud operation, Walz told NBC News, “I take responsibility for putting people in jail,” but did not address broader oversight failures.
President Trump has said he intends to terminate Temporary Protected Status for Somali nationals in Minnesota and direct federal agencies to reexamine existing Somali green-card holders as part of a more exhaustive review of immigration vetting.
As Democrats debate the future of ICE and state leaders confront the fallout of large-scale fraud cases, the politics of immigration continue to shape campaigns across the country heading into 2026.
Democratic candidates across several states are increasingly campaigning on promises to restrict or dismantle U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, even as federal officials warn of a surge in attacks and threats against immigration officers and as governors face mounting scrutiny over immigration-related fraud cases.
In Maine’s Senate race, Democrat Graham Platner told voters he would push for public hearings and “accountability” for ICE personnel, saying agents should be forced to “take their masks off” if Democrats gain power.
In Illinois’ 4th Congressional District, candidate Patty Garcia opened her campaign by declaring “F— ICE” and calling for the agency to be abolished.
In New York’s 12th Congressional District, candidate Cameron Kasky described ICE as an organization that “cannot be reformed, only dismantled,” while running on a platform that includes ending the agency entirely.
Anti-ICE messaging has also emerged in congressional contests in Illinois’ 9th District, where candidates Kat Abughazaleh and Daniel Biss have both urged Congress to abolish ICE. Abughazaleh was previously indicted after being accused of obstructing a government vehicle during an immigration-related protest.
These calls for elimination of the agency come as President Donald Trump’s renewed enforcement measures have sharpened divisions in national immigration politics. During Joe Biden’s presidency, public polling shifted toward stronger border security as illegal crossings increased, and immigration was among the top issues for 2024 Trump voters, according to NBC exit polling.
