Somali-Run Childcare Facility at Heart of Viral Scandal Shuts Down, Fueling National Debate on Welfare Oversight

Minneapolis, Minnesota – January 8, 2026

The Quality Learning Center, a Somali-operated childcare facility in Minneapolis that gained notoriety through a viral investigative video alleging widespread fraud, has officially closed its doors, according to state records released on January 7.

The closure, effective January 6, comes weeks after independent journalist Nick Shirley's video exposed what he claimed were empty or underutilized daycare centers receiving millions in federal and state funding. The misspelled sign reading "Quality Learing Center" became a symbol in conservative media circles, highlighting alleged abuses in Minnesota's childcare assistance programs, particularly those serving the state's large Somali community.

Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families officials confirmed that the center's operator requested the voluntary closure and would need to reapply for a new license to reopen. No specific reason was provided by the state for the shutdown, but it follows intensified federal scrutiny, including an FBI investigation and a temporary freeze on certain childcare funds.

The video, posted late last year and viewed over 135 million times on social media platforms, alleged that Somali-run centers were defrauding taxpayers by claiming reimbursements for non-existent or minimal services. Federal authorities surged resources to Minnesota in response, launching probes into potential fraud involving billions in welfare programs since 2018.

Local Somali community leaders have decried the allegations as biased and harmful, pointing to increased harassment, break-ins at similar facilities, and threats following the video's release. State officials initially visited the centers and reported most were operating normally, but the Quality Learning Center's closure marks a significant development in the saga.

The incident has intersected with broader immigration enforcement in the Twin Cities, where recent ICE operations targeting Somali immigrants have sparked protests and heightened tensions. While the center's closure is tied to licensing and fraud probes rather than direct immigration actions, it occurs amid a national conversation on program integrity and community impact.

No charges have been filed against the Quality Learning Center's operators as of yet, and investigations continue. Community advocates call for fair oversight without stigmatizing immigrant-owned businesses, while critics argue the closure validates concerns over longstanding vulnerabilities in the system.

As Minneapolis navigates these overlapping controversies, the fate of similar facilities remains under watch, with potential ripple effects on childcare access for low-income families across the state.