A 23-year-old YouTuber’s viral daycare stunt triggered a federal funding freeze affecting hundreds of thousands of children nationwide, while sparking threats and vandalism against Somali-operated childcare centers across multiple states.
Story Snapshot
- Nick Shirley posted viral video alleging fraud at Somali daycares, including attempting to enroll his one-year-old
- Federal agencies froze Minnesota childcare payments and launched nationwide FBI investigation
- Somali daycare operators faced threats, vandalism, and harassment in Minnesota, Ohio, and Washington
- Licensed centers report being targeted despite compliance with state audits and regulations
- Hundreds of thousands of low-income families nationwide affected by funding disruptions
The Viral Video That Launched Federal Action
Nick Shirley, a former high school prankster turned political content creator, filmed himself attempting to enroll his one-year-old child at Somali-run daycares in Minnesota. The video, posted just before Christmas 2025, accused these centers of fraudulently claiming taxpayer funds for non-existent children. Within days, the Department of Health and Human Services froze childcare payments to Minnesota, citing Shirley’s allegations as justification for the action.
The video’s impact extended far beyond Minnesota’s borders. Federal investigators launched a nationwide probe into taxpayer-funded childcare schemes, while copycat confrontations emerged in Columbus, Ohio, where influencers filmed themselves demanding entry to licensed facilities like 161 Childcare and Great Minds Learning Center.
Legitimate Businesses Under Siege
Hamda Mohamed, who operates 161 Childcare in Columbus, emphasizes her center’s legitimacy and compliance with state regulations. Licensed in October 2025, her facility undergoes routine state audits and unannounced inspections. Yet following the viral video, Mohamed hired legal counsel and installed security measures after facing harassment from conservative influencers attempting to replicate Shirley’s tactics.
The harassment extends beyond business hours. Somali daycare operators report vandalized facilities, hacked voicemail systems filled with threatening messages, and “No Trespassing” signs posted as desperate protective measures. One Minnesota center reported a break-in with records stolen, while providers across multiple states received threatening calls containing anti-Somali and anti-Islamic slurs.
Government Response Varies by Level
State officials have taken defensive positions protecting licensed operators while federal agencies pursue aggressive enforcement. Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown warned that harassment would not be tolerated, urging citizens to report concerns through proper channels rather than engaging in vigilante tactics. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine acknowledged that while fraud exists in childcare, robust regulations and entry restrictions exist to protect children.
The federal response tells a different story. The FBI’s nationwide investigation and HHS funding freeze affected low-income families across all 50 states, despite no public release of evidence supporting widespread fraud claims. This disconnect between state-level defense of licensed operators and federal enforcement based on viral allegations highlights the unusual nature of this situation.
Collateral Damage Spreads Nationwide
The funding freeze created immediate hardships for families depending on subsidized childcare. Centers that serve low-income communities face operational challenges while parents scramble for alternative arrangements. Some operators report families withdrawing children due to fear and uncertainty, creating additional financial strain on already-targeted businesses.
Mary Solheim, a Minnesota childcare provider, expressed dismay at how one influencer’s video could disrupt services for hundreds of thousands of children nationwide. The economic ripple effects extend beyond individual centers, potentially chilling immigrant entrepreneurship in the childcare sector and setting precedent for social media-driven policy enforcement.
Sources:
State warns against harassment, threats against Somali community amid FBI’s daycare investigation
Somali day care centers face threats and how Trump could save Obamacare subsidies
Somali daycare in Columbus speaks out on harassment from conservative influencers
Somali child care providers report vandalism, threats after viral video
