The recent investigation by independent journalist Nick Shirley has opened a window into a troubling issue plaguing Minnesota’s child care system. His video, which gained traction after its release on December 26, 2025, reveals stark irregularities at state-funded daycare centers in Minneapolis, particularly those serving the Somali immigrant community. These centers appeared vacant during operating hours, raising questions about their compliance, despite receiving substantial funding through Minnesota’s Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP).
Shirley’s inquiry merits serious attention. He documented instances where centers had no children present while they were supposed to be operational. One particularly alarming case involved the Quality Learning Center, which has a license to care for up to 99 children but was found completely deserted during a weekday afternoon. According to state records brought to light by Shirley, this center received nearly $4 million in taxpayer dollars through CCAP, with $1.9 million disbursed in just 2025. When Shirley attempted to register a fictional child, the center’s staff dismissed him with a flimsy excuse, claiming it was “full.” This contradiction highlights a concerning disconnect between reported services and actual conditions on the ground.
Shirley’s findings did not stop with the Quality Learning Center. His investigation identified numerous other daycare facilities sharing addresses with questionable operations, including non-emergency medical transport and home healthcare services. This web of interconnected entities seems designed to siphon off public funds with little to no accountability. In just one day, Shirley’s team uncovered over $110 million in suspicious payments linked to these ghost facilities. The scale of the fraud suggests a breakdown in oversight that demands immediate action.
Federal entities have taken notice. As the scandal unfolded, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) initiated investigations and suspended certain funds. FBI Director Kash Patel acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, stating, “The FBI is aware of recent social media reports in Minnesota.” He emphasized the importance of dismantling fraudulent schemes that exploit federal programs, reaffirming that targeting fraud is a priority for the FBI both locally and nationally.
This scandal follows a pattern established by previous fraud cases in Minnesota, particularly the Feeding Our Future scandal that resulted in the theft of $250 million in federal food aid intended for vulnerable children. That investigation led to 78 indictments and highlighted systemic issues within the oversight of taxpayer-funded programs. The current revelations point to a continuity of exploitation in Minnesota’s welfare systems, with implications that extend beyond local mismanagement to broader issues tied to immigration policies.
The response from political figures has been swift. Critics, including Rep. Tom Emmer, are demanding accountability, linking these issues to the state’s immigration policies and their role in the misuse of public funds. The events have also captured the attention of notable figures like Vice President JD Vance and Elon Musk, who have amplified calls for scrutiny and reform, characterizing Minnesota as a “hub of fraudulent money laundering.”
This emerging narrative sheds light on a serious problem affecting both taxpayers and the vulnerable populations that these programs are designed to assist. With Shirley’s investigation providing a basis for further inquiry, it remains to be seen how state and federal authorities will address these alarming findings. The attention on fraudulent daycare operations could prompt a necessary reevaluation of oversight processes to safeguard public funds and ensure they genuinely benefit the intended recipients.
The implications are extensive. As investigations continue, the prospect of holding accountable those involved in these fraud schemes looms large. The potential for more charges, increased scrutiny of financial practices, and further investigations into immigration status underscores the seriousness of these violations. What remains clear is the ongoing commitment from law enforcement to uncover the truth and protect the funds meant for children and families in need.
Shirley’s explosive findings serve as a crucial reminder of the importance of vigilance in managing taxpayer resources and ensuring that support systems are serving their intended purpose. As more details emerge, the spotlight will undoubtedly remain focused on Minnesota, with the potential for significant repercussions aimed at addressing and rectifying these disturbing injustices.
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