The Nokomis Day Care Center in Minneapolis, a Somali-operated daycare, was reportedly burglarized in the early hours of a Tuesday, according to local authorities. The break-in, during which records pertaining to children and staff were taken, occurred against the backdrop of an ongoing investigation into alleged fraud within Minnesota's childcare system, involving several Somali-run facilities.
Nasrulah Mohamed, the manager of the Nokomis Day Care Center, indicated the break-in likely happened between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m., resulting in a damaged door and compromised wall sections. The Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) acknowledged the incident and noted that surveillance footage might assist in identifying the perpetrator(s), though no specific leads have been disclosed.
In the days leading up to the burglary, Mohamed reported that the center had been on the receiving end of threatening and "hateful" communications. He attributed some of this negative attention to a 42-minute video by independent journalist Nick Shirley, which has gone viral. This video shed light on potential fraudulent activities at Minneapolis childcare facilities and has attracted millions of views, prompting comments from federal figures, including President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
Nokomis Day Care Center, licensed to accommodate up to 71 children across various age groups, recently corrected two minor violations related to nutrition and staff qualifications. The facility was not featured in Shirley's exposé but has been observed to be largely inactive before the break-in, with social media and neighborhood commentary questioning the timing and motivation behind the incident, given the recent viral coverage.
Amidst the unfolding federal investigations into childcare fraud in Minnesota, which involves misused funds estimated to reach $1 billion, authorities continue to examine the stolen documents from Nokomis, which contain sensitive information. The daycare remains closed while the investigation is active, with Mohamed expressing hope for a safe reopening after the inquiry concludes.
The complex situation highlights the challenge of ensuring proper oversight of public funding for childcare while safeguarding minority-owned businesses from potential harassment or unfair scrutiny. As the story develops, authorities, community members, and stakeholders are seeking to navigate the intricate issues of accountability and equity within the childcare sector.
