Leavitt Drops ‘Nightmare News’ as Fraud Scheme Is Exposed — Immigration Advocate Announces Major Crackdown on Document Scams Targeting Somali Community
Minneapolis, MN — In a press conference that sent shockwaves through immigrant-assistance networks across the Midwest, State Inspector General Thomas Leavitt announced that investigators had uncovered a large-scale fraud scheme preying on Somali families seeking legal residency and asylum support. While the announcement was labeled by some as “nightmare news,” Leavitt emphasized that the victims — not the perpetrators — were overwhelmingly Somali immigrants who trusted the wrong people.
According to Leavitt, the scheme involved several unlicensed “immigration consultants” who charged thousands of dollars to prepare documents, file petitions, and offer legal guidance they were not authorized to provide. Many of these filings were allegedly fraudulent, incomplete, or entirely fabricated, placing vulnerable applicants at risk of denial, fines, or even removal proceedings.
“This is not a scandal about the Somali community,” Leavitt stressed. “This is about criminals manipulating the system and exploiting families who are trying to follow the law. Our mission is to protect victims, not punish them.”
Investigators revealed that the suspects advertised heavily on social media platforms popular within Somali-American neighborhoods. They promised fast-track asylum approvals, guaranteed visa results, and even “priority interviews” — none of which actually existed. Victims often paid fees ranging from $800 to more than $6,000 for services that licensed attorneys typically charge far less for, or that accredited nonprofits provide for little to no cost.
One Minneapolis resident, who asked not to be named, said her family paid nearly $10,000 after being told their applications needed “emergency refiling.” They later discovered nothing had been submitted at all. “We trusted them,” she said tearfully. “They spoke our language. They said they understood our struggles. Now everything is delayed, and we don’t know what will happen.”
Leavitt announced that the state had filed multiple fraud and impersonation charges against at least four individuals linked to the operation. Additional suspects are expected to face charges as the investigation expands.
In response to the exposure of the scheme, community leaders expressed both outrage and relief. “For years, we have warned families about unlicensed immigration consultants, but the problem kept growing,” said Farhia Yusuf, director of the Somali Legal Resource Network. “This investigation is overdue — and absolutely necessary.”
To prevent further abuse, the state will implement a new oversight initiative requiring anyone advertising immigration-related services to register and undergo compliance checks. The initiative will also fund legal clinics offering free document reviews for recent applicants.
Immigration attorneys applauded the move, noting that such fraud disproportionately harms refugees and new arrivals who already face language barriers, trauma, and difficulty navigating government systems. “When people are desperate, scammers see opportunity,” said attorney Melissa Grant. “Today’s announcement is a strong step toward stopping that.”
Leavitt concluded the press conference by reassuring families caught up in the scheme that the state will not penalize victims for errors or misinformation created by fraudulent consultants. “You will not be punished for someone else’s wrongdoing,” he said firmly. “Our priority is justice — and protection.”
For many Somali residents, the news was unsettling but ultimately hopeful: a harsh reminder of the risks they face, and a sign that authorities are finally addressing the predators who profit from their trust.