“ …we will not be bullied or blamed for systemic issues that transcend any single jurisdiction.” – Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison defended his office’s handling of immigration enforcement and fraud investigations Thursday during a tense Senate oversight hearing that exposed deep divisions between state and federal officials.
Ellison appeared before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee alongside Minnesota Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson and top federal immigration officials. Lawmakers focused their questioning on what they called a breakdown in cooperation between Minnesota authorities and federal agencies, particularly Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), over ongoing investigations tied to immigration and pandemic-related fraud.
“I stand by my record,” Ellison said. “We’ve prosecuted fraud vigorously in Minnesota. What we’re not going to do is be scapegoated for federal policy failures.”
Ellison said his office has repeatedly sought cooperation from the Justice Department and other federal entities investigating the case but received little information in return.
“We’ve reached out to federal partners on multiple occasions,” Ellison testified. “We have ongoing investigations into individuals connected to the Feeding Our Future network, but the federal government has not been forthcoming with the information we need.”
At one point, Ellison accused federal authorities and lawmakers of politicizing enforcement disputes.
“This war on Minnesota is retribution for standing up for fair treatment,” he said. “Our state has cooperated in good faith, but we will not be bullied or blamed for systemic issues that transcend any single jurisdiction.”
The remarks drew pushback from Republican senators, several of whom accused Ellison of failing to enforce immigration laws effectively. Ellison rejected those claims, saying his office targets wrongdoing “regardless of background.”
“We’ve been tough on fraud, period — whether the defendants are immigrants or not,” Ellison said. “Fraud is fraud.”
Federal officials from ICE, Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services also testified, facing bipartisan criticism for inconsistent communication and enforcement practices in Minnesota and other states.
Senators from both parties urged better coordination to address rising immigration caseloads and resource shortages. Minnesota leaders said they are struggling to manage a sharp increase in unaccompanied minors and asylum seekers.
Ellison closed his testimony by reiterating his willingness to collaborate with federal authorities.
“Minnesotans deserve a justice system that’s fair and functional,” he said. “We will continue to pursue accountability — whether that means challenging fraud or demanding federal cooperation.”
No new actions were announced at Thursday’s hearing, though lawmakers signaled that additional oversight sessions may follow as federal and state officials continue to examine the fallout from the Feeding Our Future investigation and related immigration enforcement disputes.
Sources: CBS News, The Hill, KARE 11, Fox News, Reuters
Sidebar headline:
5 takeaways from Keith Ellison’s Senate testimony
Thursday’s Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing featured fiery exchanges between Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, federal officials, and Republican senators. Here are five key takeaways from the session.
1. Federal–state tensions remain high
Ellison accused federal agencies of “stonewalling” Minnesota investigators seeking documents tied to the Feeding Our Future fraud probe. He said repeated requests for cooperation from the Department of Justice have gone unanswered. “We can’t do our jobs in the dark,” Ellison said.
2. Republicans pressed Ellison on fraud enforcement
Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) sharply questioned Ellison’s oversight of the massive pandemic food-aid fraud case. Hawley alleged Ellison intervened to protect defendants — a claim Ellison flatly denied. He responded that Minnesota “has prosecuted fraud vigorously, without fear or favor.”
3. Immigration enforcement drives political divide
Republican senators accused state leaders of failing to cooperate with ICE, while Ellison and Minnesota officials said federal agencies have been inconsistent and underfunded. “We will not be scapegoated for federal policy failures,” Ellison testified, underscoring his office’s limited authority over immigration law.
4. ‘War on Minnesota’ comment sparks reaction
Ellison’s remark that “this war on Minnesota is retribution” drew quick pushback from GOP lawmakers, who called the statement inflammatory. Ellison defended it as a critique of politicized investigations targeting his state. Reuters reported that his comments drew audible murmurs in the hearing room.
5. Oversight and cooperation remain unresolved
Despite hours of testimony, senators left the hearing without clear commitments on next steps. Lawmakers from both parties agreed further oversight is needed to clarify responsibilities between state and federal agencies. “Mistrust runs both ways right now,” one committee aide said after the hearing.
Sources: CBS News, The Hill, KARE 11, Fox News, Reuters
