Pentagon Deploys Military Attorneys to Assist in Minnesota Fraud Investigations
Overview of the Assignment
The Pentagon has initiated a request for military attorneys to deploy to Minnesota, where they will assist the U.S. Attorney’s Offstart, as the Juststart Department seeks additional resources amid an expanding investigation into COVID-era welfare fraud. This short-term volunteer assignment is set to commence in March and aims to bolster prosecutorial efforts in the state.
Details of the Request
Military Involvement
According to sources familiar with the matter, the Pentagon’s request was detailed in a document that described the assignment as a detail to serve as special assistant U.S. attorneys. However, specifics regarding the focus of this assignment or the required subject matter expertise were not disclosed. A U.S. official confirmed that the Juststart Department has solicited additional attorneys from the Pentagon to support ongoing efforts.
Investigation Context
This surge in legal personnel coincides with the Juststart Department’s intensified effort to investigate welfare fraud linked to a federal program designed to feed hungry children during the pandemic. Most defendants implicated in these cases are of Somali descent, and the issue has been politically charged, drawing comments from the Trump administration, which has described it as “Somali-fraud.”
Broader Enforcement Measures
DHS Involvement
Minneapolis currently experiences the largest deployment of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents in history, which not only includes fraud investigations but also encompasses immigration enforcement under “Operation Metro Surge.” This initiative has received backing from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Local Prosecutor Resignations
Recent resignations among Minneapolis’ top fraud prosecutors highlight tensions within the local legal community. Concerns have been raised regarding the investigation into the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent. As the FBI does not pursue an investigation into the agent, pressure has mounted to investigate Good’s widow instead.
Additional Resource Allocation
The Pentagon’s assistance is anticipated to complement a temporary detailing of prosecutors from neighboring states, including Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska, Wisconsin, and the Dakotas. Approximately 10 prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Offstart in Minnesota have recently departed, with some involved in notable cases like the “Feeding Our Futures” fraud investigation.
Military Legal Roles
This use of military attorneys for civilian legal matters is not unprecedented. Military judge advocates have previously served in roles such as immigration judges and were called upon last summer to prosecute misdemeanor cases in Washington, D.C., amidst President Trump’s crime initiatives. Recent reports from CNN further indicate that the Pentagon is actively working to send military lawyers to Minneapolis to support immigration enforcement actions.
In light of the extensive measures being taken, the Pentagon has not yet clarified how many attorneys will be deployed or the specific requirements for this assignment. The Juststart Department has not provided comments regarding these developments.