Federal authorities carried out raids at more than 20 locations across Minneapolis on Tuesday, including childcare facilities, as part of a sweeping fraud investigation tied to largely Somali-owned businesses.
In total, 22 federal search warrants were served in Minnesota, according to sources familiar with the operation. The investigation is not related to immigration enforcement and centers on allegations that childcare providers registered with the state were billing for services that were not actually provided. Among the locations searched were the Quality Learning Center and Baby Halimo Child Care, both in Minneapolis.
The Quality Learning Center had previously drawn national attention after blogger Nick Shirley visited multiple listed daycare addresses and reportedly found vacant storefronts, closed businesses, and occupants who refused to engage with attempts to inquire about enrollment.
