Right‑Wing Influencers Target Somali Child Care Centers After Viral Minneapolis Video

After a viral video from a right‑wing YouTuber alleging fraud at Somali‑run child care centers in Minneapolis, influencers and self‑styled journalists have turned their focus toward Somali‑owned child care providers across the United States, sparking fear, harassment and community alarm despite lack of evidence to support the fraud claims.

By David Thompson – News Reporter

Last Updated: Feb. 2, 2026

Video Sparks Nationwide Harassment

The controversy began with a December viral video in which right‑wing influencer Nick Shirley alleged that Somali‑run child care centers in Minneapolis were defrauding the state by billing for children who were not present. State officials have said the claims are unsubstantiated and inspectors found no evidence that the centers were not providing child care, but the video spread rapidly on social media and drew mainstream attention. Since then, Somali child care providers in Minnesota and beyond have reported strangers lingering near facilities, filming without consent, and issuing hostile accusations. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Influencers Amplify Claims Without Verification

Right‑wing influencers and self‑styled journalists have traveled to multiple cities — including Minneapolis, San Diego, Columbus and Federal Way — attempting to document alleged fraud or irregularities based on state child care listings. They often film entrances, question staff and post footage online asserting systemic problems. Legal and community advocates criticize such tactics as ‘slopaganda,’ noting that these influencers frequently lack journalistic standards and amplify accusations without proper fact‑checking. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Centers Face Intimidation and Safety Fears

Somali child care providers describe a climate of fear following the surge in attention. Some say people have peered through windows, stood outside facilities with cameras or shouted accusations at staff. In one instance, a provider reported a car circling while filming, leading her to delay unloading children out of concern for their safety. Many have invested in additional security measures, kept blinds drawn and altered procedures to ensure children are not directly exposed to hostile encounters tied to the viral narrative. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Impact Extends Beyond Minneapolis

Although the initial video focused on Minneapolis, influencers have expanded their scrutiny to Somali‑run child care centers in other states. In Ohio and Washington, journalists and content creators have shown up at addresses listed on state child care websites, questioning caregivers about enrollment and operations. In some cases, local authorities were called when confrontations escalated, underscoring how these activities have unsettled immigrant communities far from where the video originated. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Critics Call for End to Harassment

Community leaders, child care advocates and some local officials are condemning the harassment as racially charged and harmful to both providers and the families they serve. They emphasize that ongoing allegations distract from real child care funding challenges and humane debates about regulatory oversight. Many call for greater protection for minority‑run small businesses against intimidation campaigns sparked by unverified social media content. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}