San Diego, February 2, 2026
Somali-operated child care centers in San Diego are under scrutiny from right-wing influencers due to a viral YouTube video falsely claiming fraud at similar centers in Minneapolis. Reports of intimidation and harassment have surfaced, prompting local child care providers to increase security measures for the safety of children and staff. Investigations have debunked the fraud allegations, highlighting the impact of such controversies on minority-run businesses across the U.S.
San Diego Child Care Centers Targeted by Right-Wing Influencers Over False YouTube Claims
San Diego, California – Somali-operated child care centers in San Diego are facing increased scrutiny and harassment from right-wing influencers following a viral YouTube video that falsely alleged fraud in similar centers in Minneapolis.
False Allegations Lead to Harassment
The controversy began in December 2025 when a YouTuber published a video alleging widespread fraud at Somali-run child care centers in Minneapolis. Despite investigations debunking these claims, the video gained significant attention, leading to increased harassment of Somali child care providers nationwide. In San Diego, child care provider Samsam Khalif reported being intimidated by two men with cameras parked outside her home-based center. This incident prompted Khalif to install additional security measures to ensure the safety of the children and staff.
Widespread Impact Across the U.S.
The harassment has extended beyond San Diego. In Minneapolis, Somali child care providers have faced similar intimidation, including strangers peering through windows and unannounced visits from right-wing journalists. These actions have raised concerns about the safety and well-being of children in these centers.
Debunked Claims and Political Ramifications
Investigations into the original allegations have found no evidence of fraud at the centers visited. Nonetheless, the video has been used to further anti-immigration rhetoric, with some lawmakers advocating for stricter oversight of child care centers. Critics argue that these actions unfairly target minority-run programs and divert attention from pressing issues such as child care access and funding.
Community Response and Safety Concerns
Local officials and community leaders have condemned the harassment and called for an end to intimidation tactics. Child care providers are implementing additional security measures to protect their facilities and the children in their care. The situation has highlighted the need for greater support and protection for minority-run child care centers across the country.
Background on the Allegations
The YouTuber gained attention in December 2025 for his video alleging fraud at Somali-run child care centers in Minneapolis. The video was widely criticized for lacking substantial evidence, and subsequent investigations by state officials found no proof of fraud at the sites visited.
Conclusion
The targeting of Somali-operated child care centers in San Diego and other parts of the United States underscores the challenges faced by minority-run businesses in the current political climate. While the original allegations have been debunked, the impact on these communities continues to be significant, highlighting the need for vigilance and support to ensure the safety and well-being of all child care providers and the children they serve.
FAQ
What sparked the targeting of Somali-operated child care centers in San Diego?
The targeting began after a viral YouTube video falsely alleged fraud in Somali-run child care centers in Minneapolis, leading to increased scrutiny and harassment of similar centers nationwide.
Have the allegations of fraud been substantiated?
No, investigations into the original allegations have found no evidence of fraud at the centers visited by the YouTuber who made the claims.
What actions have been taken to address the harassment of child care providers?
Local officials and community leaders have condemned the harassment and called for an end to intimidation tactics. Child care providers are implementing additional security measures to protect their facilities and the children in their care.
Who is Nick Shirley, and what is his role in this controversy?
Nick Shirley is a right-wing YouTuber who gained attention in December 2025 for his video alleging fraud at Somali-run child care centers in Minneapolis. The video was widely criticized for lacking substantial evidence, and subsequent investigations found no proof of fraud at the sites he visited.
What are the broader implications of this situation for minority-run businesses?
The targeting of Somali-operated child care centers highlights the challenges faced by minority-run businesses in the current political climate, underscoring the need for vigilance and support to ensure their safety and well-being.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident | Somali-operated child care centers in San Diego targeted by right-wing influencers over false YouTube claims. |
| Origin | Viral video alleging fraud in Somali-run child care centers in Minneapolis. |
| Impact | Increased harassment and safety concerns for Somali child care providers nationwide. |
| Response | Local officials and community leaders condemn harassment; providers implement additional security measures. |
| Background | The YouTuber’s video lacked substantial evidence; investigations found no proof of fraud at the centers visited. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Right-Wing Influencers Target Somali Child Care Centers Nationwide
UC San Diego’s Mobile Health Units Expand Services to Communities
San Diego’s Golden Hall Redevelopment Proposal Advances
Harassment of San Diego Child Care Providers Increases Amid Funding Freeze
San Diego Faces High Winds, Public Health Decisions, and Community Events
States Challenge Federal Funding Freeze Impacting Local Families
Decline in Young Children’s Population Hits San Diego County
California Moves Toward Mandatory Kindergarten Enrollment
CDC Unveils New Vaccine Schedule for Children in San Diego
Provocare La Turnee — Österreich Play & Claim
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
