A Minnesota-based nonprofit, the Horn of Africa Aid Foundation (HAAF), has come under intense scrutiny after federal records revealed it receives more than $5 million annually in taxpayer funding to support migrants. Critics raise alarms about the possibility that some of this funding may be directed overseas, potentially reaching military entities in Somalia.
HAAF, founded in 2018 by Abshir Omar, a Somali national who entered the U.S. in the early 2000s, has garnered approximately $18.4 million in federal funds since 2020. Of this, nearly $2.3 million has come from state programs in Maine tasked with resettling asylum seekers and refugee families. This extensive funding has now led to investigations by watchdog groups and whistleblowers, who question the organization’s financial practices and alignment with U.S. laws.
A whistleblower complaint filed in January 2024 with the inspector general’s office highlights serious allegations, suggesting that funds from HAAF have been funneled to organizations in Somalia under the guise of “community partnership” programs. Documents cited in the complaint include invoices and emails showing references to contributions for “training operations” with civil defense units in Somalia. Such claims raise critical questions regarding transparency and accountability.
The Federal Grant Oversight Alliance (FGOA) has called for a comprehensive audit of HAAF’s operations. “This is a clear breakdown of oversight,” remarked FGOA director Thomas Neeson. He emphasized that U.S. taxpayers should not fund foreign security efforts, especially in regions vulnerable to terrorism.
Concerns regarding HAAF’s financial transparency are amplified by its IRS documentation, which mentions expenditures on “security and transport infrastructure” with no geographic clarifications. With approximately 32% of its 2022 program expenditures—about $1.6 million—allocated to “external partnerships” lacking partner identification, the situation appears even murkier.
Social media has played a role in amplifying these issues. A viral tweet claimed that a Somali national established a nonprofit to support migrants but then misappropriated millions in taxpayer dollars for military use in Somalia. This tweet gained significant traction, especially among conservative audiences, showcasing the growing concern about how taxpayer money is managed.
While federal agencies have not confirmed any direct misuse of funds, emails obtained through a Freedom of Information Act inquiry show that officials have been aware of “transparency deficiencies” as early as July 2023. A compliance officer’s email warned that “cross-border disbursements” could invite scrutiny from prosecutors if not directly tied to verifiable program outcomes.
In light of these allegations, calls for action have emerged. Senator Kevin Bridges (R-WY) has urged for an immediate suspension of HAAF’s federal funding, asserting that no taxpayer dollars should be lost amid bureaucratic mismanagement or diverted to unstable regions.
The state of Maine, which has experienced strain on its public resources due to rising migrant arrivals, finds itself implicated in the controversy. HAAF was contracted to assist with integration services for recent arrivals in Portland and Lewiston. Despite the scrutiny, a spokesperson for Governor Janet Mills indicated that the state is reviewing its contracts and remains focused on helping legal asylum seekers navigate their new environment.
The nonprofit’s client demographic reveals that nearly 41% are migrants under Humanitarian Parole or Temporary Protected Status, programs designed to expedite residency with less stringent vetting. Critics argue that the expansion of these programs exposes vulnerabilities that groups like HAAF might exploit to secure federal funding with limited oversight.
Mark Cullen, a former agent with the Department of Homeland Security, expressed significant concerns about the potential for misuse of funds. He remarked, “You have someone from a volatile region running a U.S. nonprofit, and we hand them millions with hardly a check beyond a quarterly spreadsheet.”
Moreover, while U.S. law requires nonprofits with federal contracts to disclose certain financial relationships with foreign entities, enforcement remains lax. The self-reporting system relies heavily on the nonprofits’ own records, which watchdogs criticize as inadequate and lacking rigorous checks.
As the investigation continues, HAAF’s executive director, Abshir Omar, has not publicly addressed the growing concerns. In a past interview, he emphasized “security sector collaboration” between organizations in the U.S. and Somalia, raising alarms among critics who question the intent behind such partnerships.
The Office of Management and Budget has proposed enhanced guidelines for scrutinizing grant applicants with foreign connections, but implementation is pending. Currently, background checks do not mandate disclosure of any financial support related to foreign defense actors unless such recipients have been designated as terrorist organizations.
Omar’s immigrant background complicates matters. His green card application indicated no military ties, but should evidence surface implicating him in financial support for foreign military activities, it could lead to serious legal repercussions under U.S. statutes governing material support for terrorism.
This situation emphasizes a larger issue regarding the vetting process for the increasing number of nonprofits involved in refugee and migrant resettlement. Neeson from the FGOA put it bluntly: “It’s time we require face-to-face audits and independent field inspections for anyone receiving more than a million dollars a year in federal funds.”
While the Department of Justice has not confirmed an investigation, it is clearly a topic of concern as accusations regarding foreign financial transactions among U.S. grant recipients undergo routine scrutiny. Representatives in Maine are pushing for concrete answers, calling this situation a reflection of the vulnerabilities within the country’s refugee support systems. “Our people deserve to know where their money ends up,” asserted Representative Tanya French (R-Dover-Foxcroft).
As the situation develops, the future of HAAF’s funding remains in jeopardy. The matter has drawn legislative attention, indicating that the conversation surrounding migration, foreign influence, and governmental transparency is only just beginning.
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