Minnesota governor Tim Walz (D.) is pledging to bring more Somalis to his state as he grapples with the fallout from a massive Somali welfare fraud scheme that occurred under his watch.
"We are going to defend our neighbors," Walz said at a Tuesday fundraiser, according to the Center Square. "Instead of demonizing our Somali community, we're going to do more to welcome more in."
The remarks come as Walz faces criticism for his administration's failure to prevent a sprawling welfare fraud scheme orchestrated by Somalis living in Minnesota. Much of the fraud, which amounts to hundreds of millions of dollars, occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic but has gained national attention only in recent weeks.
Walz refused to take responsibility for failing to stop the fraud scheme, telling NBC News's Kristen Welker, "I take responsibility for putting people in jail."
President Donald Trump has said he is terminating Temporary Protected Status for Somalis in Minnesota and will order a reexamination of Somali green-card holders.
