Even more troubling were claims that Minnesota state employees repeatedly sounded the alarm but were brushed aside by Democrat leadership. Whistleblowers, Noem said, were ignored, silenced, or pressured to stay quiet while the fraud continued unchecked.
The conversation took an even sharper turn when Jesse Watters referenced Gavin Newsom’s recent public taunt toward federal authorities to “bring it on.” Noem didn’t hesitate.
She confirmed that Homeland Security Investigations is actively tracking financial trails that lead directly to California—a state that has long branded itself a sanctuary for the very individuals now under federal scrutiny.
Watters opened the discussion by asking Noem to explain what her team had uncovered so far.
Jesse Watters: “Ms. Secretary, you’ve been out there on the ground. What have you found out so far?”
Noem described the operation as unprecedented in scale.
Kristi Noem: “Well, Jesse, the amount of fraud in Minnesota is unprecedented. It’s incredible what we’ve found. We surged operations there over the last 48 hours. We’ve sent 2,000 more ICE officers, HSI officers, and individuals there to help get to the bottom of it.”
She emphasized that the crimes went far beyond immigration violations.
“What we’re finding is not only people who’ve come into this country illegally, but people who have perpetuated crimes against others. They’ve stolen American citizens’ money and put it in their own pockets—and into the pockets of other individuals, businesses, and organizations here.”
Noem detailed how funds meant for critical care were misused.
“These individuals bought luxury homes and took vacations, all using somebody else’s money—money that should have been used to help people who were actually supposed to benefit from these programs.”
Watters highlighted the moral outrage of exploiting the vulnerable and asked whether state leaders ignored clear warnings.
Jesse Watters: “They’re ripping off the most vulnerable members of society, and people were blowing the whistle in Minnesota, and the politicians weren’t listening, were they?”
Noem confirmed that state employees pleaded with leadership to intervene.
Kristi Noem: “No, absolutely not. In fact, many Minnesota state employees were saying, ‘Governor Walz, pay attention to this. People are stealing the money. These are not legitimate businesses. They’re not legitimate nonprofits.’”
She said those warnings were dismissed, leaving employees feeling bullied and powerless.
As arrests mounted, Watters asked whether citizens were grateful for the crackdown.
Jesse Watters: “Are people thanking you when you’re there?”
Noem said the results speak for themselves.
Kristi Noem: “Over the last 48 hours, we’ve arrested hundreds and hundreds of dangerous criminals off the streets in Minnesota—people who are part of this fraud scheme.”
She described a shocking roster of arrests made in just one morning.
“By that time, we had arrested a murderer, someone extorting money in other countries, and sexual assault perpetrators—individuals who were attacking children.”
Noem stressed the operation succeeded despite resistance from Democrat officials.
“We did it with no help from Governor Walz and no help from Democrats who are trying to cover it up.”
When Watters mentioned Newsom’s challenge, Noem responded with a blunt warning.
Kristi Noem: “Oh, we’ll be there. This is just the tip of the iceberg.”
She made it clear California is next.
“The fraud in our public programs tied to California—absolutely, we’re coming. We’re coming for you, Governor Newsom. We’re going to arrest every single individual tied to this stealing of taxpayer dollars, and we will hold them accountable.”
The message from DHS was unmistakable: the era of looking the other way is over, and federal law enforcement is following the money—no matter where it leads.
