Break-In at Somali-Run Daycare in Minneapolis Raises Alarm Amid Ongoing Fraud Controversy
On December 30, 2025, a break-in at Nokomis Daycare Center Inc. in Minneapolis sent shockwaves through the community. The burglar’s method was alarming: they smashed through a back wall, damaging the structure and creating a significant security breach. Inside, sensitive documents such as payroll records and files related to children were stolen. This incident left the daycare staff feeling unsafe and violated.
Early morning cleaners discovered the mess around 6 a.m. The devastation marked not just a physical intrusion but a violation of trust. “There were also checkbooks that were ripped from our check papers that were from our book,” said Nasrulah Mohamed, the daycare’s young manager. His worry extends beyond the immediate theft; he fears this might be a targeted attack against Somali-run daycares. “All this happened today—not because of the truth or the facts, but all because of fear and lies,” he remarked.
The incident might not be random. Just days before, a video by journalist Nick Shirley alleged fraudulent activities within several Somali-operated daycare facilities, although Nokomis was not explicitly named. The timing of this break-in raises serious questions about the motivations behind these actions. The video drew significant attention and may have contributed to a toxic atmosphere around the childcare centers in the area.
Shirley’s investigation highlighted widespread misuse of COVID-era funds, revealing a concerning trend of inflated enrollment and fraudulent claims linked to several nonprofits, primarily in Minnesota. With over $5 billion of emergency rental assistance purportedly handed out to ineligible recipients, the allegations have stirred outrage. Reports from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) show that a substantial portion of funds were paid to unverified individuals, intensifying mistrust across communities.
In a climate of fear and amplification of fraud accusations, the break-in at Nokomis symbolizes a growing concern over how public outrage about fraud can lead to the targeting of innocent institutions. Mohamed expressed deep concern for the community’s safety. “The person who did this didn’t care who was affected—families, children, our staff. They came to destroy,” he said.
The theft has also led to a significant breach of privacy, exposing families and employees to potential identity theft. One staff member expressed her fears, worried that the incident would cause parents to pull their children from the daycare. “We just work here to take care of kids,” she stated, emphasizing the emotional toll the situation has created as staff now feel marginalized and suspected due to their backgrounds.
Nokomis Daycare serves primarily the local Somali immigrant population. Although the facility has been licensed and operates in compliance with state regulations, the recent wave of accusations has left the staff feeling vulnerable. The alarming growth of threats and hostile messages following the release of the viral video has further contributed to this tension. “People saw that video and they painted all of us with the same brush,” said Mohamed. “Now we are paying the price for something we didn’t do.”
This incident is not isolated. It reflects a broader pattern of scrutiny targeting Somali-linked social services in Minnesota. Previous scandals, such as the notorious case of Feeding Our Future, raised similar red flags. Community leaders argue that while investigations are necessary, the fallout often unjustly tarnishes entire communities for the actions of a few. They reject the idea that one group should be blamed for the misconduct of others.
Though state investigators have refrained from commenting on the break-in, they assure that Nokomis remains compliant. Investigations continue but have yet to yield any leads regarding the perpetrator. Surveillance footage is under review, but immediate responses have not calmed community fears.
While the federal government has not made a direct connection between this burglary and wider fraud investigations, the implications of these events are becoming clearer. The landscape is fraught with accusations and counter-accusations, leading to a more heated debate around government oversight. Some hold the current administration responsible for lax security measures that have made fraud easier, while others believe unfounded allegations are being used as tools for political gain.
As the dust settles at Nokomis Daycare, it is evident that the repercussions of this incident extend far beyond stolen documents. Distrust is festering in a community already battling public perception and unrelenting scrutiny. Whether motivated by intimidation or something more sinister, this break-in encapsulates the struggles of immigrants trying to make a living amidst growing tensions. People like Nasrulah Mohamed deserve support rather than suspicion as they strive to safely nurture children in trying times.
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