House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., and federal officials are escalating criticism of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz following a series of federal raids targeting alleged fraud in the state, disputing Walz’s claims that state agencies played a leading role in the investigation, as reported [1] by Fox News.
Federal agents from the FBI, Department of Justice, and Department of Homeland Security executed search warrants on Tuesday at 22 businesses in Minneapolis suspected of involvement in a large-scale fraud scheme tied to child care programs, Medicaid, and other public funding streams.
Following the raids, Walz posted on X that the enforcement action stemmed from efforts by state agencies. “Today’s raids by state and federal law enforcement happened because our state agencies caught irregular behavior and reported it,” Walz wrote.
“If you commit fraud in Minnesota, you’re going to get caught — and that’s exactly what we saw today. We catch criminals when state and federal agencies share information. Joint investigations work, and securing justice depends on it,” he added.
If you commit fraud in Minnesota you’re going to get caught — and that’s exactly what we saw today. We catch criminals when state and federal agencies share information. Joint investigations work, and securing justice depends on it.
— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) April 28, 2026 [2]
Emmer rejected that characterization, saying Walz was attempting to take credit for a federal operation. In a statement responding to the governor’s remarks, Emmer wrote, “More BS from our governor. @FBIDirectorKash just confirmed the @FBI, @TheJusticeDept, and @DHSgov drafted AND executed today’s search warrants.”
He continued, “The only thing Gov. Walz should be claiming credit for is allowing $9 billion of taxpayer funds to be stolen under his watch.”
More BS from our governor. @FBIDirectorKash [3] just confirmed the @FBI [4], @TheJusticeDept [5], and @DHSgov [6] drafted AND executed today’s search warrants.
The only thing Gov. Walz should be claiming credit for is allowing $9 billion of taxpayer funds to be stolen under his watch. https://t.co/FCFLm6LVAs [7]
— Tom Emmer (@GOPMajorityWhip) April 28, 2026 [8]
In comments to Fox News Digital, Emmer further criticized Walz, stating, “Tim Walz taking credit for fraud raids is as absurd as an arsonist taking credit for putting out a house fire.”
“This is what flailing looks like when you know your political career is over,” Emmer added.
Emmer also argued that evidence suggests Walz had prior knowledge of fraud issues in the state. “Beyond just creating a system that can so easily be defrauded, there’s evidence that Walz knew about the fraud for much longer than he’s led the public to believe,” he said.
“Minnesotans aren’t buying the BS Walz is selling. This is the same man who has spent months demonizing federal law enforcement officers, including HSI agents – now, Walz is trying to support these officers’ fraud work,” Emmer added.
The Department of Justice also responded directly to Walz’s comments through its rapid response account, disputing the governor’s claims about cooperation. “You have been suing, not sharing,” the DOJ posted.
The agency then requested additional information from the state to assist in ongoing investigations.
“While you’re in a sharing mood, please do share: -SNAP enrollment data so we can find the people stealing food from needy families in your state. -Voter rolls so we can ensure no dead people and only American citizens are voting in your elections. -Access to all criminal aliens in your jails and prisons, so we can protect your streets from violent crime,” the statement read.
The DOJ concluded its response with “#sharingiscaring.”
You have been suing, not sharing. But while you’re in a sharing mood, please do share:
-SNAP enrollment data so we can find the people stealing food from needy families in your state.
-Voter rolls so we can ensure no dead people and only American citizens are voting in your… https://t.co/In1HCK6RAi [9]— DOJ Rapid Response (@DOJRR47) April 29, 2026 [10]
In addition to addressing the fraud investigation, Walz also called for a joint inquiry into the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, who were killed during confrontations with federal immigration officers. He urged further federal review of those incidents.
The raids remain part of a broader federal investigation into what authorities have described as a large-scale fraud operation involving public funds in Minnesota. Officials have not yet released full details on the scope of the alleged scheme or the individuals involved.
Fox News Digital reported that it reached out to Walz for additional comment.