A burglary at a Somali-owned daycare center in South Minneapolis has raised concerns within the community. Nokomis Daycare Center, which caters primarily to Somali children, reported a break-in early on December 30. The incident occurred between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. when an unknown individual or individuals breached a cement wall and stole sensitive documents.
Burglar Targets Somali-Owned Daycare: Nokomis Daycare Center
The daycare’s manager, Nasrulah Mohamed, expressed distress over the events. He noted that their center has been in operation since 2016 without issues related to licensing or state regulations. Mohamed emphasized the impact of this burglary, stating, “We are not a part of any harmful thing that’s being said.”
This break-in follows a controversial video posted by right-wing influencer Nick Shirley, which made allegations of fraud related to Somali-owned daycare centers in Minnesota. The video, released on December 26, prompted a federal freeze on childcare assistance in the state, creating heightened fear and uncertainty among local business owners.
Community Response and Concerns
The Minneapolis police confirmed the burglary at Nokomis Daycare Center, reporting it as a serious crime. Police spokesman Trevor Folke indicated that the department is investigating the incident. Following the break-in, the police received multiple reports of threatening calls directed at Somali businesses, with some daycare centers reporting over 100 messages.
- December 30, 2025: Break-in at Nokomis Daycare Center.
- Reported time of the incident: Between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m.
- Over 100 threatening messages reported by one daycare.
- Community fears have intensified following the viral video and subsequent federal actions.
Community organizer Amina Adan shared her concerns regarding the implications of the funding freeze, stating, “This will impact thousands of people.” She advocated for accountability without instilling fear within the Somali community.
Investigation and Future Safety Measures
In response to the burglary and community unrest, the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN) has called for a thorough investigation. Executive Director Jaylani Hussein pointed out that such crimes can often stem from the hate speech targeting marginalized communities.
Hussein urged Somali business owners to document any threats and report them to the authorities. He also indicated that the CAIR is preparing to escalate the situation to federal levels for further attention.
Regarding potential security upgrades, community organizer Khalid Omar indicated that some daycare centers might look into enhanced safety measures due to rising anxieties stemming from recent events.
Impact on Childcare Services
As the federal government pauses childcare funding amidst fraud allegations, the state of Minnesota faces significant ramifications. The state typically receives approximately $185 million annually in federal childcare funding. Advocacy groups believe that this interruption could affect over 20,000 children across Minnesota, posing serious risks to childcare accessibility and community stability.
In light of these events, many within the Somali community continue to seek solidarity and support amidst growing concerns. With the investigating authorities and community organizations engaged, residents hope for a resolution that does not further harm their community.
