In Minneapolis, members of the Somali community are encountering a wave of harassment and threats, resulting in a significant decline in business. Fardowsa Ali, owner of Albi Kitchen, reported that her restaurant, which once saw steady patronage for Somali sambusas and desserts, is now receiving threatening phone calls. “It’s really sad,” Ali stated, describing the distressing change since conservative content creator Nick Shirley posted a video accusing local day care centers of fraud. This video has instigated fear and hostility, impacting not just businesses but also families in the community.
The aftermath of Shirley’s video has been severe. Business owners and families have reported being threatened, harassed, and bullied on social media. Ali noted that the day care center located in the same building as her restaurant has been vandalized, and parents are now hesitant to send their children to school. The atmosphere in Somali restaurants and coffee shops, once bustling with customers, has turned nearly empty, with many employees afraid to go to work.
The situation has intensified anxieties within the Somali community in Minnesota, which has faced challenges since President Donald Trump labeled them “garbage” in December 2019 and increased immigration enforcement in the area. This has left many residents anxious, as the Twin Cities have become a focal point for deportation efforts similar to those seen in cities like Los Angeles and Chicago.
Jaylani Hussein, executive director of the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, emphasized the severe impact on the Somali community. “This climate of fear is disrupting livelihoods, separating families, and undermining the sense of safety and belonging for an entire community,” he remarked.
Impact on Day Care Providers
The fraud allegations have also affected day care providers like Kassim Busuri, who operates a facility near Minneapolis. Busuri has reported a sharp increase in phone calls, primarily from individuals asking about enrollment and operating hours. He noted that many of these callers do not seem to be genuinely interested parents, creating additional distractions for staff focused on caring for children. For security reasons, CNN is not naming Busuri’s day care facility.
The Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families stated that investigators visited the centers at the center of the fraud claims and found all but one operating as expected. The one exception was not yet open for families, alleviating some concerns regarding immediate threats to child care services.
Community Response and Advocacy
The allegations of fraud have drawn unwelcome scrutiny on a community known for its entrepreneurial spirit and cultural richness. Minnesota has been home to a significant Somali population since the early 1990s, following the collapse of the Somali government and the ensuing violence that displaced millions. Today, approximately 84,000 people of Somali descent reside in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, the largest Somali population in the United States.
Community advocates are working diligently to defend the Somali community’s reputation, emphasizing that they do not engage in criminal behavior more than any other group. They assert that the majority of Somali people are hardworking individuals contributing positively to society. While Shirley’s claims remain unverified, authorities have been investigating fraudulent schemes in Minnesota, particularly those associated with Feeding Our Future.
In the past year, Governor Tim Walz has faced backlash regarding fraud schemes involving some Somali residents, with federal charges brought against numerous individuals linked to the nonprofit. Although 37 defendants have pleaded guilty, it remains unclear how many of them are of Somali descent.
Khalid Omar, a community organizer with the nonprofit ISAIAH, criticized Shirley’s video for inciting hate and scapegoating the Somali community. He expressed confidence in state officials to investigate fraud allegations thoroughly. “If someone commits fraud, they should be held accountable, period,” Omar stated, adding that it is unjust to label an entire community due to the actions of a few.
The national deputy director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, Edward Ahmed Mitchell, condemned the attacks on the Somali community, calling it “pure racism.” He emphasized that such collective punishment is unacceptable and would not be tolerated against any other community.
Hussein reiterated the essential contributions of Somali residents to Minnesota’s economy and civic life, stating, “When an entire community is stigmatized, the impact is immediate.” He highlighted the realities faced by Somali families, whose fear and distrust of public institutions is growing, alongside suffering businesses.
As the community grapples with these challenges, the need for solidarity and understanding remains crucial. The Somali diaspora, deeply rooted in Minnesota, continues to strive for stability and safety in the face of adversity.
