"Shortly after right-wing YouTuber Nick Shirley posted a now-viral video claiming to show, without any actual evidence, that daycares run by Somali Americans in Minnesota were fraudulently receiving federal funding, Jama started getting harassing phone calls and online messages. Shirley had shown up at daycares that he claimed were closed or didn't have any children inside, although investigators have debunked those claims, and President Trump elevated his allegations,"
"A man called Jama at the start of the year saying he wanted to enroll his son in her care, but when Jama responded truthfully that she didn't have any open spots and would have to put him on a waiting list, he demanded to come immediately and "see some of the kids," she said. She hung up, but he texted her saying he and his son were coming to her home,"
False online allegations accused Somali-American daycares of fraudulently receiving federal funds and prompted viral videos and amplified claims. Investigators debunked on-the-ground claims that facilities were empty, but political leaders elevated the allegations, prompting federal funding freezes and an ICE presence in Minnesota. Somali and Somali-American childcare providers around the country have received harassing calls, threatening messages, and in-person confrontations. One California home-based provider received demands to admit a child, men filming her property, threatening images, and ongoing stress. The harassment is scaring parents, disrupting care, and costing providers financially and emotionally.
Read at The Nation
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]