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Minnesota is home to approximately 84,000 Somali immigrants, a sizable minority within its 5.8 million residents. This community's prominence in the scandal raises complex questions about integration, oversight, and community relations.
Adding to the political tensions, the state's governor, Tim Walz—who was a vice-presidential hopeful in the 2020 election alongside Kamala Harris—is accused of failing to act swiftly or effectively in response to the fraud. Despite the significant federal involvement and media coverage, Walz and local authorities have been criticized for their inaction, seemingly unaware of the massive theft until investigative journalists uncovered the story.