The video of an apparently empty Minneapolis daycare with a misspelled sign prompted GOP House Whip Tom Emmer to demand answers from Gov. Tim Walz after reports the site received roughly $4 million in state funds. State records and local reporting say the facility accumulated 95 violations from 2019–2023 and holds a license through 2026, while paperwork cited in the clip showed $1.9 million disbursed in FY2025. Federal and state investigators are expanding probes into CCAP and other social-service disbursements that may total more than $1 billion; some reporting alleges portions of funds could have been diverted and remains under investigation.
Emmer Demands Answers After Viral Video Shows Vacant, Misspelled Minnesota Daycare Linked to $4M in State Funds
Tim Walz, left, and Rep. Tom Emmer speak during a congressional event.
Republican House Majority Whip Tom Emmer pressed Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz for answers after a viral video showed an apparently vacant, state-funded daycare with a misspelled sign. The footage added fuel to expanding federal and state investigations into alleged social-service fraud in Minnesota that investigators say could total at least $1 billion.
Video Confrontation
YouTuber Nick Shirley and an associate visited a building on Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis labeled the "Quality Learing Center" (sic). Shirley highlighted the misspelling of "Learning" on the sign and noted the apparent absence of children or activity. Shortly after their arrival, a woman emerged from the building and shouted, "Don't open up. It's ICE," then told the visitors to "go away". It was not clear from the video whether the woman was affiliated with the daycare.
Records, Violations and Funding
Shirley and an accompanying man displayed a paper they said documented $1.9 million paid to the center in fiscal year 2025; Shirley said his records showed the facility had received about $4 million in total state funds. Minnesota Department of Human Services records cited in local reporting show the site accumulated 95 violations between 2019 and 2023, including failing to keep hazardous items away from children and missing records for multiple listed children. State licensing documents reviewed by reporters indicate the center's license is valid through the end of 2026 and lists an enrollee capacity of 99 children.
Wider Investigations
Federal and state authorities are probing disbursements from Minnesota's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) and other social-service funds. U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson has warned that completed investigations could reveal more than $1 billion in fraud; the U.S. Treasury Department is also investigating. Some reporting and officials have said portions of the funds may have been diverted to groups linked to violence abroad, including allegations involving the Somali militant group Al-Shabab; those links remain under investigation.
Responses and Next Steps
Emmer posted on X demanding an explanation: "4 million dollars of hard-earned tax dollars going to an education center that can’t even spell learning correctly. Care to explain this one, Tim Walz?" Fox News Digital reported attempts to contact the daycare number listed in state records were unsuccessful because calls could not be completed as dialed. Fox News Digital also sought comment from Governor Walz, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Note: Reporting is ongoing. Allegations of fraud and any suggested links to extremist groups are subject to confirmation by investigators and should be treated as alleged until proven in an official finding or court proceeding.
