Recent viral claims alleging widespread fraud at local daycares are being fiercely contested by the people running them. A video by YouTuber Nick Shirley has amassed millions of views claiming centers like the ABC Learning Center are empty fronts for theft. However, security footage from the day of his visit tells a different story. Timestamps clearly reveal families dropping off children in the morning, contradicting the narrative that the building was abandoned. When reporters visited on Tuesday, they found over a dozen children actively engaged in learning math and language skills, proving the facility is indeed fully operational.
Safety Protocols Mistaken For Secrecy
The director explained why the YouTuber was turned away at the door during his noon visit. Staff members followed strict safety protocols by refusing entry to a stranger. The situation was made more alarming because Shirley was reportedly accompanied by a group of people, some of whom were masked. This presence triggered immediate concern among the staff, particularly given the recent increase in ICE activity in Minneapolis. For the operators, this was not a simple inquiry but a frightening event that felt like intimidation. They emphasize that they cannot simply allow random groups into a secure space meant for minors to learn and play safely.
Records Support Operators Amid Harassment
Records largely back up the claims of the daycare operators rather than the viral accusations. An independent review found that nearly all the centers targeted in the video hold active licenses and have been inspected by state regulators recently. While some citations for minor issues like equipment safety were found, there was no documented evidence of fraud. Despite this, the video has sparked a wave of harassment. The director shared voicemails from out-of-state callers, some of which were threatening. The operators feel this is politically motivated targeting of Somali-Americans, leading many to carry passports daily out of fear of arrest.
