Somali Child Care Centres Targeted by Right-Wing Influencers Amid Safety Fears
A disturbing campaign of intimidation and harassment has been directed at Somali-run child care centres across the United States, leaving providers and families deeply concerned for their safety. The situation escalated dramatically following a viral video that made unsubstantiated allegations of fraud within these community facilities, prompting a wave of unwanted attention from right-wing journalists and online influencers.
Providers Face Direct Intimidation and Harassment
In multiple cities with significant Somali communities, child care providers report alarming encounters with strangers filming their premises, peering through windows, and making unfounded accusations. Samsam Khalif, a home-based child care provider in San Diego, described the terrifying moment she discovered two men with a camera waiting in a parked car outside her facility while she was transporting children. "I'm scared. I don't know what their intention is," Khalif revealed, explaining that the incident prompted her to install additional security cameras for protection.
The psychological toll on providers has been substantial, with many reporting constant anxiety about maintaining safe environments for young children. One Minneapolis-area provider, who requested anonymity for fear of retaliation, described witnessing someone defecate near her centre's entrance after emerging from a circling vehicle. The same day, a passing motorist shouted that her facility was a "fake day care." She has since implemented new lockdown procedures, budgeted for enhanced security measures, and keeps blinds permanently closed to shield children from unwanted visitors and potential immigration enforcement actions.
Origins in Viral Allegations and Political Rhetoric
The targeting campaign began in earnest after right-wing influencer Nick Shirley posted a lengthy video on December 26th making explosive claims about fraudulent activity in Minneapolis's Somali-run child care centres. Although subsequent inspections disproved the central allegations about providers billing for non-existent children, the video gained significant traction amid the Trump administration's broader immigration crackdown.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly targeted Somali immigrants with dehumanizing rhetoric, calling them "garbage" and suggesting Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar, who was born in Somalia, should be deported. His administration attempted to freeze child care funding for Minnesota and five other Democratic-led states following the video's circulation, though a court eventually ordered the funding released.
Self-Appointed Investigators Create Chaos
In Federal Way, Washington, and Columbus, Ohio, right-wing journalists and influencers began showing up unannounced at addresses obtained from state child care registries. One video from Columbus shows a man filming through the glass door of a bungalow-style building that he claimed "does not look like a child care center at all." Ohio inspectors subsequently confirmed the location was indeed a legitimate child care facility.
The harassment has extended beyond physical presence to digital attacks. The Columbus centre had its voicemail hacked with a message containing racial slurs against Somalis, according to local radio station WOSU-FM. In Washington state, child care workers have been forced to call police on journalists who repeatedly appeared outside their homes.
Official Responses and Political Divisions
Local and state officials have offered mixed responses to the situation. Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson issued a statement condemning attempts to "intimidate, harass or film Somali child care providers." However, Harmeet Dhillon of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division countered that asking questions and citizen journalism constitute protected speech rather than hate crimes.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine held a news conference specifically to debunk fraud claims about a Columbus child care centre, emphasizing that providers refusing entry to strangers should not be interpreted as evidence of wrongdoing. "Well, hell, no! No one should let them in," DeWine stated emphatically. Despite his refutation, Republican legislators in Ohio have introduced bills requiring closer monitoring of child care centres, including proposals for live video feeds from classrooms receiving public funding.
Broader Implications for Child Care Systems
Child care advocates argue that the focus on fraud allegations distracts from more pressing crises within the sector. Many states maintain lengthy waiting lists for child care subsidy programs, creating barriers for parents seeking to return to work. Funding for these essential programs faces ongoing threats, including from the Trump administration.
Ruth Friedman, former head of the Office of Child Care under President Joe Biden, accused Trump and Republicans of manufacturing a crisis for political advantage. "They are using it to try to discredit the movement toward investing in child care," Friedman asserted. The Department of Health and Human Services has rejected claims that concerns about program integrity are manufactured, instead encouraging reports of suspected fraud through official channels.
The situation highlights growing tensions around immigration, community safety, and the politicization of essential social services, with Somali child care providers caught in the crossfire of ideological battles that show no signs of abating.
