At a Glance
- Minnesota officials say child-care centers in the fraud video are operating properly
- Federal investigations into a $250 million scheme continue
- Nine centers received $17.4 million in CCAP funding for FY 2025
- Why it matters: The story shows how state and federal agencies are responding to fraud allegations that could affect child-care funding and community trust.
The Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families said investigators found child-care centers referenced in the viral video were operating as expected, and that children were present at all sites except one that was not yet open for families that day.
Investigations into Child Care Centers
Investigators with the Office of Inspector General conducted compliance checks at nine centers referenced in the viral video. They confirmed the centers were operating as expected, gathered evidence and initiated further review. Children were present at all sites except one that was not yet open for families that day.
- Ongoing investigations into 4 centers
- Investigations into 55 providers that receive CCAP funding
Broader Fraud Allegations
The department also has ongoing investigations into 55 providers that receive funding from the Child Care Assistance Program. The nine centers received $17.4 million in CCAP funding for FY 2025, one of which has been closed since 2022. The federal Department of Health and Human Services froze all federal child-care payments to Minnesota following the video.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Centers checked | 9 |
| Total CCAP funding (FY 2025) | $17.4 million |
| Centers closed | 1 (closed since 2022) |
| Ongoing center investigations | 4 |
| Provider investigations | 55 |
Political Reactions
President Trump stated:
> “Much of the Minnesota Fraud, up to 90%, is caused by people that came into our Country, illegally, from Somalia.”
President Trump also attacked Rep Ilhan Omar, calling her a “loser” and urging:
> “send them back from where they came, Somalia, perhaps the worst, and most corrupt, country on earth.”
FBI Director Kash Patel stated:
> “surged” investigative resources and personnel to Minnesota before Shirley’s video went viral.
The Justice Department has been investigating fraud in the state for several years, including a $250 million scheme involving the nonprofit “Feeding Our Future.” The scheme has led to criminal charges against 78 people, with the mastermind Aimee Bock and Salim Said convicted of wire fraud and other counts in March. Bock has not yet been sentenced. The scheme used federal Covid-19 relief funds for meals for children, which were diverted to lavish lifestyles. One of the dozens charged was sentenced in September to 10 years in prison, and the most recent indictment came last month.
A 2024 state audit found that the Minnesota Department of Education did not properly oversee Feeding Our Future. Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families stated:
> “remains committed to fact-based reviews that stop fraud.”
Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families also warned:
> “Distribution of unvetted or deceptive claims and misuse of tip lines can interfere with investigations, create safety risks for families, providers, and employers, and has contributed to harmful discourse about Minnesota’s immigrant communities.”
Key Takeaways
- Minnesota officials confirm child-care centers in the fraud video are operating properly.
- Federal investigations into a $250 million scheme continue, involving 78 charges and ongoing probes.
- Political statements and federal actions highlight the high stakes of fraud allegations in Minnesota.
The story underscores the ongoing scrutiny of child-care operations and the broader fraud investigations that could impact funding and community trust.
