The Trump Justice Department has launched a comprehensive investigation into Minnesota's network of allegedly fraudulent Somali daycare centers following explosive citizen journalism work by Nick Shirley that exposed facilities operating without children present. Federal authorities are now assessing potential gambling operations and other criminal activities at what were supposed to be legitimate childcare facilities.
Shirley's groundbreaking investigation documented empty daycare centers throughout Minnesota, many of which became hostile when questioned about their operations. His footage showed angry confrontations with Somali immigrants who attempted to drive him away from facilities that appeared to be operating as fronts rather than legitimate childcare providers.
The Department of Homeland Security has initiated site inspections of these alleged fraud operations, marking a significant escalation in federal oversight of what appears to be a widespread scheme targeting taxpayer-funded programs.
Investigation Spreads Nationwide
Social media has become a catalyst for expanding the investigation beyond Minnesota's borders. PJ Media reported on the growing momentum, with their official accounts sharing updates on the developing story. As @PJMedia_com and @PJMediaUpdates tweeted, citizens in other states are now "digging for empty Somali daycare centers in their states," suggesting this could be a multi-state fraud operation.
However, Minnesota officials appear to be pushing back against the investigation. According to social media reports, Minnesota Commissioner of Child and Family Services Tikki Brown has denied any fraud occurred, specifically stating "There was no fraud [at The Learning Center]." Critics on social media, including @GoldenAgeTimes2, have characterized Brown and other state officials as "working overtime to discredit Nick Shirley's exposé on Somali Daycare Fraud."
The resistance from Minnesota state officials raises serious questions about potential cover-up efforts and highlights the importance of federal oversight in rooting out fraud that state authorities may be unwilling to address.
This developing story represents exactly why citizen journalism matters in holding government accountable and protecting taxpayer resources from fraudulent schemes that exploit America's social safety net programs.