Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey praised the city's Somali community during a Somali Independence Day celebration over the weekend, describing its members as part of the city's family while Minnesota continues to face scrutiny over several high-profile fraud investigations, as reported by Fox News.

Frey delivered the remarks on Saturday during a public event marking Somali Independence Day.

The speech came weeks after a Republican-led House Oversight Committee released a report alleging that the administration of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz failed to respond to repeated warnings about fraud involving state social services programs.

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Addressing attendees, Frey spoke about the Somali community's place in Minneapolis and referenced what he described as challenges the community has faced.

"Through the most difficult of times and through Operation Metro surge, we all saw that they tried to come for some of us," Frey said. "And when that happens, we say that you're coming for all of us."

The mayor continued by emphasizing what he said was the city's support for Somali residents.

"In Minneapolis, we loved our neighbors. In Minneapolis, we do not see you as immigrants. We see you as our family," he said. "You are our brothers. You’re our sisters. You have done so much for this incredible city, and for that, we stand with you."

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Frey appeared to reference Operation Metro Surge, an immigration and public safety initiative carried out by the Trump administration in Minnesota.

The operation concluded in February after Border Czar Tom Homan announced that more than 4,000 people had been arrested in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. Homan said the operation reduced public safety threats in the region.

Following the event, Frey shared a video of his remarks on X along with a message recognizing the holiday.

"Happy Somali Independence Day," Frey wrote.

"Here in Minnesota, home to one of the largest Somali communities in the United States, we celebrate the resilience, culture, and leadership that continue to enrich our city and community," he added.

The mayor's comments came as Minnesota remains the subject of multiple fraud investigations involving state-funded programs.

Earlier this month, the Republican-led House Oversight Committee released a report alleging that the Walz administration repeatedly failed to act on warnings about fraud involving state social services programs, including the Feeding Our Future case.

According to the committee, more than 110 people have been charged in connection with various fraud schemes in Minnesota.

The report stated that many of the defendants were identified as members of Minnesota's Somali immigrant community.

The committee further alleged that concerns over potential racial discrimination claims contributed to delays in addressing suspected fraud.

It is also estimated that approximately $300 million in federal child nutrition funds intended for pandemic-era meal programs was stolen.

The Feeding Our Future investigation has become one of the largest fraud cases connected to pandemic relief programs in the state.

Walz administration officials have disputed the findings and conclusions contained in the House Oversight Committee report.

The investigations remain ongoing, while state and federal officials continue to examine allegations involving Minnesota's social services programs.

At the same time, Frey's remarks highlighted his administration's support for the Somali community during the annual Somali Independence Day celebration in Minneapolis.

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