A Minneapolis daycare center, operated by members of the Somali community, became the target of a disturbing break-in and act of vandalism overnight. The Nokomis Day Care Center discovered a damaged door and significant interior destruction upon opening Wednesday morning, a scene captured by local news cameras.
More than just property was violated; crucial documentation – records pertaining to both the daycare’s staff and the children in its care – vanished during the incident. Manager Nasrulah Mohamed expressed deep concern over the missing files, emphasizing the sensitive nature of the information compromised.
Mohamed directly linked the attack to a recently viral video circulating online. The video, created by an independent journalist, scrutinized numerous daycare facilities within the Somali community, sparking a national conversation and intense scrutiny.
The timing is particularly fraught, as Minneapolis already finds itself under a harsh national spotlight due to allegations of widespread fraud within the state’s childcare system – potentially reaching a staggering $1 billion. Dozens have already been indicted in connection with the alleged scheme.
Mohamed voiced his distress, stating the daycare has been inundated with “hateful” and “threatening” messages in the days following the video’s release. He questioned why his community was being specifically targeted, describing the situation as both “frightening and exhausting.”
Despite the current turmoil, records from the Minnesota Department of Human Services indicate Nokomis Day Care Center was operating legally and in good standing, licensed to care for up to 71 children. Recent inspections revealed minor, quickly corrected violations related to nutritional menus and teacher qualifications.
Notably, the Nokomis Day Care Center was not specifically featured in the viral video that appears to have instigated the recent events. This raises questions about the broader impact of the online scrutiny on the entire Somali-run daycare community in Minneapolis.
The federal government has taken notice of the alleged fraud, with the Department of Health and Human Services announcing a freeze on childcare payments to Minnesota. The state received $185 million in such payments for 2025, funds now contingent on proof of legitimate use.
The investigation extends beyond Minnesota’s borders, with the Trump administration also launching a probe into suspected fraudulent activity within the city’s childcare programs. The situation remains volatile, leaving the Somali community and daycare operators grappling with fear, uncertainty, and the weight of false accusations.
