Key Takeaways
- A video posted on social media alleged that nearly a dozen day care centers in Minnesota, which receive public funds, are not providing any services.
- The video was viewed over 1 million times on YouTube and tens of millions more on X, leading to a massive investigation by Homeland Security agents.
- The investigation found that two of the centers featured in the video had already shut down, while the others had active licenses and were visited by state regulators within the last six months.
- The investigation is part of a larger $9 billion COVID-era fraud scandal in Minnesota, which has led to 78 arrests and estimates of $250 million in fraudulent payouts to a nonprofit called Feeding Our Future.
- The scandal has sparked controversy and debate, with President Trump calling Minnesota a "hub of fraudulent money laundering activity" and announcing an end to protected status against deportation for Somalis in the state.
Introduction to the Investigation
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) launched a massive investigation into childcare and other rampant fraud in Minnesota, following a video posted on social media that alleged nearly a dozen day care centers in the state were not providing any services despite receiving public funds. The video, posted by conservative YouTuber Nick Shirley, was viewed over 1 million times on YouTube and tens of millions more on X, sparking widespread concern and outrage. According to Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families commissioner Tikki Brown, "we do take the concerns that the video raises about fraud very seriously," although there are questions about the methods used in the video.
The Video and Its Impact
The video posted by Nick Shirley alleged that several day care centers in Minnesota were receiving public funds without providing any services. The video was widely shared on social media, leading to a massive investigation by Homeland Security agents. As of Monday, the video had been viewed more than 1 million times, and its impact was felt across the state. The Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families, as well as state officials, visited some of the sites featured in the video, finding that two of the centers had already shut down earlier this year. However, one of those centers informed the state that it plans to remain open, sparking further investigation.
The Investigation and Its Findings
A review of the day care centers mentioned in the video by CBS News found that all but two had active licenses, according to state records. Additionally, all active locations were visited by state regulators within the last six months, with one center, Sweet Angel Child Care, Inc., subject to an unannounced inspection as recently as December 4. However, the review also found dozens of citations related to safety, cleanliness, equipment, and staff training, among other violations. Despite this, there was no recorded evidence of fraud. The investigation is ongoing, with Homeland Security agents and state officials working to determine the extent of the alleged fraud and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
The Larger Context of the Scandal
The investigation into the day care centers is part of a larger $9 billion COVID-era fraud scandal in Minnesota. Prosecutors allege that millions of dollars in taxpayer funds were stolen through various schemes, including the Feeding Our Future program, which was meant to help feed vulnerable children during the pandemic. The program’s leader, Aimee Bock, was convicted earlier this year, and estimates suggest that fraudulent payouts to the program alone were around $250 million. The scandal has sparked controversy and debate, with Governor Tim Walz and other state officials disputing the estimated amount of fraud and defending their handling of the crisis.
The Political Fallout
The scandal has also sparked a political firestorm, with President Trump calling Minnesota a "hub of fraudulent money laundering activity" and announcing an end to protected status against deportation for Somalis in the state. The move has been widely criticized, with many arguing that it unfairly targets the Somali community. The investigation and scandal have also led to a surge in immigration enforcement, with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement launching Operation Metro Surge in the Twin Cities, resulting in over 400 arrests. The scandal and its aftermath continue to be felt across the state, with many calling for greater accountability and transparency in the handling of taxpayer funds.