Investigation into Somali-Owned Day Care Centers in Columbus
In Columbus, Ohio, several day care facilities owned by Somalis are currently under investigation by ABC6 Investigations for potential fraud. This scrutiny follows the viral video of independent journalist Nick Shirley, who targeted similar centers in Minnesota, raising concerns about possible irregularities.
Growing calls for an inquiry into these Somali-run child care centers emerged as reports about the situation gained traction. ABC6, responding to the heightened attention, has begun examining various Somali day care centers in northeast Columbus. While no specific facilities have been named or accused yet, the investigation revealed a U-Haul key deposit at one center’s entrance. As part of their probe, the network has requested public records from both Franklin County and the state of Ohio concerning public funds, overpayments, and any indications of misconduct involving these centers.
Ohio has the second-largest Somali community in the U.S., following Minnesota, with around 60,000 Somali-Americans residing in the Columbus area. This fact brings additional complexity to the story, according to information shared by local sources.
The situation has prompted some Republican lawmakers to demand investigations into the claims. Ohio Congressman Josh Williams took to social media to urge the Ohio Department of Children and Youth Affairs to investigate all child care centers suspected of fraud in Columbus. He expressed the need for 24-hour unannounced inspections of such facilities, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding taxpayers’ dollars amidst concerns of fraudulent activity similar to what might be happening in Minnesota.
Dan Tierney, the press secretary for Republican Governor Mike DeWine, dismissed claims of a sudden increase in fraud in the child care sector, asserting that issues of this nature have long existed in Ohio. He mentioned that the state has established strong anti-fraud measures to address these challenges, indicating that it’s, unfortunately, a known issue in the field.
As Tierney commented, “If someone can’t fathom that they’re trying to defraud the public through daycare centers, I’m sure this is new to them, but this has been known in the state for decades.” However, he did not directly address a related investigation concerning Somali immigrants in the area.
In a related development, between 2024 and 2025, there was a reported 20% decline in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for non-U.S. citizens. Data indicated that the number of recipients decreased from 52,000 to 41,000 following the enactment of legislation limiting these benefits to specific groups.
Following the attention garnered by Shirley’s video, FBI Director Kash Patel informed the public that the bureau is intensifying its investigation. He stated that the FBI has mobilized resources to tackle a substantial fraud operation that is reportedly exploiting federal programs.
