Federal law enforcement agencies conducted a series of raids Tuesday morning in the Minneapolis area as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged welfare fraud, according to federal authorities.

The FBI, along with state and local law enforcement, executed between 20 and 22 search warrants at various locations throughout the region. The raids targeted childcare facilities and other sites connected to what prosecutors have described as a billion-dollar social services scandal.

The operation represents a continuation of federal efforts to investigate suspected fraud within Minnesota's social services system. The investigation has focused on alleged misuse of welfare programs and related financial irregularities.

Meanwhile, labor unions and community groups are organizing May Day events across the United States, calling for an economic blackout involving "no school, no work, no shopping" to protest government policies. Organizers said the May Day Strong events were inspired in part by economic blackout actions that occurred in Minnesota during previous federal immigration enforcement operations.

The May Day protests are expected to involve more than 3,000 actions nationwide as groups commemorate International Workers Day on May 1. Organizers said they are protesting policies they believe prioritize wealthy interests over workers' needs.