Somali-Run Daycare in Minneapolis Vandalized Amid Fraud Investigations, Key Documents Stolen
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — In the early hours of Wednesday morning, the Nokomis Day Care Center, a Somali-run facility in Minneapolis, was broken into and vandalized, with critical employee and child records reported stolen. The incident comes amid a growing national spotlight on daycare centers operated by Somali immigrants, following widespread fraud allegations that have drawn attention from federal and state authorities.
Nasrulah Mohamed, manager of the Nokomis Day Care Center, told reporters the break-in likely occurred between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m., resulting in damage to one of the building’s doors and parts of an interior wall being gutted. Surveillance cameras installed on the facility’s exterior may have captured footage of the incident, though it remains unclear if the recordings have been reviewed by law enforcement.
The Minneapolis Police Department confirmed the break-in to Fox News Digital. Mohamed expressed concern that the attack was motivated by a viral video posted online by independent journalist Nick Shirley. The 42-minute video, which went viral last week with millions of views, featured Shirley visiting nearly a dozen daycare facilities in Minneapolis while investigating alleged fraud. The video quickly drew the attention of prominent political figures, including former President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance.
“This is devastating news, and we don’t know why this is targeting our Somali community, as one video made by a specific individual made this all happen,” Mohamed said. He also revealed that the daycare has received hateful and threatening messages since the video’s release, describing the situation as “frightening and exhausting.”
The Nokomis Day Care Center is licensed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services to care for up to 71 children, ranging from infants to preschool age. According to the department’s records, the center was operating in good standing, though it had two violations in October related to noncompliance with nutritional requirements set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and missing documentation concerning staff qualifications.
The break-in and theft of sensitive documents have heightened concerns about the safety and privacy of children and employees at the facility. Mohamed emphasized that the stolen materials include important employee and child records, which could have serious implications if misused.
Federal and state authorities have been investigating allegations of fraud tied to some Minneapolis daycare centers run by Somali immigrants. The scrutiny intensified after the viral video raised questions about the legitimacy of funding and enrollment practices. Congressional investigators have also taken an interest in the matter, with House Oversight Committee hearings examining the broader fraud allegations in Minnesota.
Community leaders and advocates have warned against scapegoating the Somali community amid the investigations. A recent article by The New York Times highlighted concerns that Somali Minnesotans are being unfairly targeted as the probe unfolds.
As the investigation continues, the Nokomis Day Care Center remains operational but shaken by the break-in and the hostile environment that has followed. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the burglary to come forward.
This incident underscores the complex challenges facing immigrant communities in Minneapolis, where allegations of fraud, media scrutiny, and rising tensions have converged in recent weeks. The Minneapolis Police Department continues to investigate the case, while state agencies review the regulatory compliance of daycare facilities across the city.
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