A recent incident involving Sweet Angel Child Care in Minneapolis has raised significant concerns regarding oversight and accountability within Minnesota’s child care facilities. This center, licensed under Governor Tim Walz’s administration, has attracted attention not only for its questionable practices but also for its connection to the governor’s office. The day care’s publicly listed phone number directs callers to Walz’s office, which has fueled skepticism surrounding its legitimacy.
The revelations came to light when users on X highlighted the oddity of the phone number, which became a focal point after YouTube creator Nick Shirley investigated several state-licensed businesses in the area. His scrutiny raised questions about the operations of Sweet Angel Child Care, especially in light of its troubling history of violations.
Documents from the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) reveal that the center has maintained its licensing despite recurring infractions of state child care standards. This lack of accountability raises alarms about the effectiveness of Walz’s administration in managing child welfare programs. Minnesota has drawn national media attention for alleged fraud within various state programs, including over $1 billion reportedly misappropriated by predominantly Somali-run businesses, which compounds these issues.
Sweet Angel Child Care has not been accused of any fraudulent activities; however, its circumstances reflect poorly on the state’s regulatory framework. A significant point of contention is the center’s inability to rectify previous violations regarding child safety and care. Between May 2022 and December 2025, the DHS’s Office of the Inspector General issued reprimands for numerous violations, such as inadequate supervision, lack of proper hygiene for the children, and the presence of hazardous materials. Despite these serious concerns, the state allowed the center to continue operating under a conditional license after submitting “correction” plans. However, there is no evidence that the center has complied with the required documentation since the inspector’s last visit.
The disconnection between the center’s operations and its regulatory responsibilities paints a stark picture. When Shirley attempted to question employees at the facility, he encountered a hostile reception. “I want to put my son, Joey, in day care,” he stated, but was met with a curt, “Why?” and no further dialogue was offered. This situation reflects a lack of transparency and raises moral questions about the welfare of the children entrusted to such institutions.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services appears as a critical player in this scenario. Its persistence in licensing Sweet Angel Child Care without thorough compliance inspections indicates a troubling trend within the agency. A December 2024 correspondence designates Naley Abdulle as the facility’s representative, yet attempts to contact her have been met with silence.
The ongoing situation underscores the importance of rigorous oversight and accountability in child care systems. Sweet Angel Child Care’s case highlights a broader issue of trust within the state’s welfare programs, especially amidst reports of financial mismanagement elsewhere. As scrutiny of child care facilities continues, policymakers must address the gaps in the system to ensure that safeguarding children’s well-being is prioritized. Without significant reform, incidents like these will likely persist, damaging public confidence in state-led welfare initiatives.
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