How a viral exposé on welfare fund fraud led to door-to-door federal probe in Minnesota

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has taken its fraud probe in Minnesota from social media to the streets—literally.

After weeks of intense online debate sparked by a viral video alleging widespread fraud, DHS agents are now going “door to door” in Minneapolis and surrounding areas, visiting sites they say may be tied to fraudulent activities.

The videos, shared on X by Homeland Security and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, show federal investigators knocking on doors at what the agency calls “suspected fraud sites.”

In one post, DHS wrote, “DHS is on the ground in Minneapolis, going DOOR TO DOOR at suspected fraud sites. The American people deserve answers on how their taxpayer money is being used and ARRESTS when abuse is found.”

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DHS is on the ground in Minneapolis, going DOOR TO DOOR at suspected fraud sites.

The American people deserve answers on how their taxpayer money is being used and ARRESTS when abuse is found. Under the leadership of @Sec_Noem, DHS is working to deliver results. pic.twitter.com/7XtRflv36b

— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) December 29, 2025

This ground operation comes amid ongoing scrutiny over alleged misuse of federal funds in programmes ranging from childcare to healthcare facilities. Federal officials insist this kind of outreach is part of a larger effort to “identify, arrest, and remove criminals who are defrauding the American people.”

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What led to the investigation

The surge of federal action followed a viral video posted by Youtuber Nick Shirley, who shared footage from several daycare centres and other businesses that, he claimed, were collecting taxpayer money but showing few signs of actual activity. Shirley’s video quickly gained traction online and drew reactions from politicians and federal officials alike.

While the video drew criticism for limited context, it appears to have accelerated federal involvement. FBI Director Kash Patel also announced extra resources being deployed to Minnesota to tackle what he described as systematic fraud.

🚨 Here is the full 42 minutes of my crew and I exposing Minnesota fraud, this might be my most important work yet. We uncovered over $110,000,000 in ONE day. Like it and share it around like wildfire! Its time to hold these corrupt politicians and fraudsters accountable

We ALL… pic.twitter.com/E3Penx2o7a

— Nick shirley (@nickshirleyy) December 26, 2025

So far, arrests have already been made. Minnesota Attorney General Pam Bondi credited Shirley’s work for helping expose the scale of the alleged fraud, saying dozens of people have been charged and more than 60 convicted in court.

The spotlight on Minnesota has also intensified political debate, with some lawmakers demanding answers from state officials about how federal funds were overseen.

As DHS agents continue knocking on doors and investigators comb through records, authorities say they won’t let up until those defrauding federal programmes are held accountable.