Federal authorities have initiated a sweeping investigation into Minnesota childcare facilities following explosive allegations made in a viral social media video. The probe, confirmed by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, involves immigration agents conducting on-site operations in Minneapolis targeting potential fraud within childcare programs.
The investigation stems from claims circulated by right-wing YouTuber Nick Shirley, whose video alleging Somali-operated centers were receiving public funding without providing actual services has garnered millions of views across platforms. The video specifically targeted nearly a dozen facilities, asserting they lacked both services and children during the creator’s visits.
Minnesota officials have responded cautiously to the allegations. Tikki Brown, Commissioner of the state’s Department of Children, Youth, and Families, acknowledged the seriousness of fraud concerns while questioning some methods used in the video. State regulators confirmed the facilities had undergone regular inspections, with all but two maintaining active licenses and receiving visits within the past six months.
Independent verification by CBS News found no immediate evidence supporting the fraud claims. Their analysis revealed that most centers mentioned remained operational, with only two having closed recently.
The investigation occurs against a politically charged backdrop. President Donald Trump recently expressed opposition to Somali immigration, stating immigrants should ‘return to where they came from.’ Minnesota, home to America’s largest Somali community, has become a focal point in the administration’s broader immigration enforcement efforts.
Democratic Governor Tim Walz welcomed legitimate fraud investigations but criticized what he characterized as ‘PR stunts’ targeting immigrant communities. The probe follows March’s conviction in a separate $250 million pandemic aid fraud case involving Minnesota’s Feeding our Future organization.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed ongoing investigations into Minnesota fraud cases since the pandemic, suggesting the current probe might represent ‘the tip of a very large iceberg.’