Full Breakdown
Vandalism at Somali-Run Daycare Amid Fraud Allegations in Minnesota
1/1/2026, 8:11:47 PM
Break-In at Nokomis Daycare Center
Nokomis Daycare Center, a Somali-run facility in Minneapolis, was vandalized in a break-in that occurred between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. on December 30, 2025. The center's manager, Nasrulah Mohamed, reported that important documents, including records related to employees and children, were stolen during the incident. The Minneapolis Police Department confirmed the break-in, although initial reports indicated no loss was reported. Mohamed expressed concerns that the daycare was targeted due to a viral video by independent journalist Nick Shirley, which alleged widespread fraud among Somali-run daycare centers in the area.
Context of Fraud Allegations
The break-in comes amid a significant investigation into alleged fraud involving Minnesota's childcare programs, with federal prosecutors estimating losses could reach up to $1 billion. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has frozen all childcare payments to Minnesota pending verification of their legitimacy. This scrutiny has intensified following Shirley's viral video, which claimed that many Somali-run daycares were fronts for fraudulent activities, showing empty facilities despite receiving substantial public funding.
Community Reactions and Criticism
The Somali community has voiced fears of being scapegoated amid the fraud allegations. Mohamed stated, "This is devastating news, and we don’t know why this is targeting our Somali community." He noted that the daycare has received threatening messages since the video's release. During a press conference, a Somali mother, Sacdiya Aden, urged the government to support childcare centers rather than cut funding, emphasizing the importance of these facilities for working families. Critics of Shirley's video argue that it promotes division and hate towards the Somali community, with some calling for accountability from state officials, including Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.
Official Statements and Responses
In response to the allegations, Deputy HHS Secretary Jim O'Neill announced that all future childcare payments would require justification and evidence of legitimate use. He stated, "We have turned off the money spigot and we are finding the fraud." Minnesota officials, including DCYF Commissioner Tikki Brown, have emphasized that investigations into the centers are ongoing and that previous inspections have not uncovered evidence of fraud at the facilities mentioned in Shirley's video.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
There are discrepancies regarding the details of the break-in at Nokomis Daycare Center. While Mohamed claims that documents were stolen, initial police reports indicated no loss was reported. Additionally, the daycare was not featured in Shirley's viral video, raising questions about the motivations behind the break-in and the broader implications for the Somali community in Minnesota.
What's Next
As investigations continue, federal authorities, including the FBI, are increasing their scrutiny of childcare providers in Minnesota. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing discussions about the balance between investigating fraud and protecting minority communities from harassment. The outcome of these investigations could have significant implications for the Somali community and childcare funding in Minnesota.
