Federal Homeland Security officials conducted a fraud investigation in Minneapolis as part of a broader crackdown on large-scale misuse of federal funds, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said.

The action follows years of investigations tied to the Feeding Our Future case, a $300 million COVID-era fraud scheme involving child nutrition programs, with 57 convictions so far.

Federal officials allege that a significant portion of billions in federal funds supporting Minnesota programs since 2018 may have been stolen.

The FBI and DHS have increased resources in Minnesota, with officials saying previous arrests represent only a small part of a much larger fraud problem, PBS has reported.

The investigations come amid heightened political and social tensions, including criticism of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s administration and concerns within the state’s large Somali American community after a YouTuber exposed alleged daycare fraud.