Dana Ferguson

He urged protesters to avoid violence and said he didn't want the Trump administration to deploy National Guard troops to the state.

For NPR News, I'm Dana Ferguson in Minneapolis.

Minnesota was targeted for the funding cutoff before the nationwide freeze over reports of alleged fraud at child care centers there.

Supporters of the centers rallied at the state's capitol and blasted the Trump administration's move to freeze assistance until states can prove funds are being used for legitimate reasons.

Amanda Schillinger is a child care center director.

The Trump administration says the freeze is meant to weed out fraudulent caregivers.

But federal officials have not yet indicated what information the centers must provide.

For NPR News, I'm Dana Ferguson in St.

Paul.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump referred to Minnesota as a hub of fraudulent money laundering activity.

And he alleged without providing specifics that Somali gangs were terrorizing the state.

In Minneapolis, members of the Somali community and allies gathered to push back.

community organizer Khalid Omar.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem says the administration will review the program.

For NPR News, I'm Dana Ferguson in Minneapolis.