Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota said Sunday on CBS’s “Face the Nation” that Somalis in the state were also harmed by the large-scale welfare fraud scheme that federal officials have described as the largest COVID-era fraud case in the country.

The Justice Department has charged 87 individuals in connection with the case, most of whom are of Somali descent.

Host Margaret Brennan began the interview by referencing comments made earlier in the program by the Treasury Secretary.

“I want to pick up where the Treasury Secretary just left off. He alleged that people who were tied to you or your campaign were involved in this broad, brazen scheme to rip off the Minnesota state welfare system. Do you want to respond to that? Do you know what he is referring to?” Brennan asked.

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Omar said she did not.

“I really don’t, and I don’t think the secretary himself understands what he’s referring to. We obviously, had people who were able to donate to our campaign that were involved. We send that money back, a couple of years ago. And actually, I was one of the first members of Congress to send a letter to the Secretary of Agriculture asking them to look into what I thought was a reprehensible fraud that was occurring within the program.”

Brennan then outlined details of the federal case for viewers.

“So this was just for our audience. The Biden Justice Department called it the largest COVID fraud scheme in the country. And this was pocketing COVID-era welfare funds, more than $1 billion in taxpayer money that was stolen is pretty, pretty shocking. Of the 87 people charged, all but eight are of Somali descent. And that has added to the spotlight being put specifically on your community. Why do you think this fraud was allowed to get so widespread?”

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Omar responded by saying the fraud harmed Minnesotans broadly, including Somali residents.

“Well, I want to say, you know, this also has an impact on Somalis, because we are also taxpayers in Minnesota. We also could have benefited from the program and the money that was stolen. And so it’s been really frustrating for people to not acknowledge the fact that we’re, you know, we’re also, as, as Minnesotans, as taxpayers, really upset and angry about the fraud that has occurred.”

Federal prosecutors have said the individuals charged diverted funds from programs intended to provide meals to children during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Court documents describe the accusations as part of a coordinated effort that authorities say resulted in the theft of more than $1 billion.

The Justice Department has continued to pursue cases tied to the scheme, with trials and plea proceedings ongoing in federal court.

Omar reiterated during the interview that her campaign returned donations connected to individuals later identified as being involved in the case.

She also referenced her prior outreach to federal officials concerning oversight of the programs in question.

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