CBS News was just able to run an investigation of hospice fraud on the same familiar grounds, addresses with dozens of facilities and no physical presence, massive charges and no clients. Nick Shirley, who usually tags along after everyone else does the work, did his own viral video. And none of those people are being threatened with arrest.
The press account for Gov. Gavin Newsom however did threaten to arrest anyone investigating daycare fraud. “Pro-tip: Daycares aren’t content farms. If you show up demanding access to film children, don’t be surprised when the cops show up.”
Various state and local officials in California, Oregon and Minnesota had already been issuing such threats for a while. Earlier this month, California Attorney General Rob Bonta threatened to use ‘hate crime’ laws to protect Somali day cares.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced Feb. 23, 2026, that hate crime resources are now available in the Somali language following reports that Somali childcare providers have been subjected to harassment, stalking and intimidation at their homes and workplaces.
Attorney General Bonta stated, “Reports that internet vigilantes are harassing San Diegan childcare providers at their homes and workplaces are extremely alarming. California has laws that prohibit this type of harassment. Last week, I denounced these deplorable acts, and today, I am happy to announce that hate crime resources are now available in the Somali language. I encourage all Californians and law enforcement agencies to know their rights and familiarize themselves with laws that protect individuals.”
“It is the job of the California Department of Justice to see that the laws of the State are uniformly and adequately enforced.”
Previously, Newsom had gone to San Diego to claim that Somalis were “under siege”.
Gov. Gavin Newsom said the Somali community in San Diego feels “under siege” with the arrival of right-wing provocateurs who, seeking to replicate their fraud allegations that kicked off unrest in Minnesota, have arrived at Somali-run day cares, alarming child care workers.
Newsom said he met with Somali community members in San Diego on Monday before holding an unrelated press conference about fentanyl seizures at the U.S.-Mexico border. Newsom said those at the meeting feel like there is no accountability for the vigilante actors who rarely, if ever, identify themselves and confusion among operators about who to trust and what their rights are.
“They’re not fully convinced,” Newsom said, “that the state or local government is doing enough for them.”
“We need statewide leaders to stand up for the Somali community in San Diego — along with other immigrant communities across California — before we become another ground zero for ICE,” Ramla Sahid, the executive director of Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans, said in a statement. “Every state leader who has spoken up in solidarity with Minneapolis must also speak up for our communities right here. Right-wing influencers who were active in Minnesota are already here in San Diego, harassing day care centers and other businesses run by Somali Americans.”
It’s fine to investigate fraud everywhere… except when Somali Muslims do it.
