Washington Attorney General Nick Brown issued a statement on harassment of Somali daycare providers. Source: WA AG Office
Editor’s Note:
This article references viral social media posts alleging fraud at Somali-run daycare centers in Washington. These claims have not been independently verified by Washington state regulators or law enforcement. Washington officials emphasize that harassment, threats, or confrontational visits to private residences are not legitimate investigative methods and may be unsafe or unlawful.
Washington Attorney General Nick Brown issued a strongly worded public statement. The response came after reports of harassment at Somali-run, home-based daycare providers in Washington, which began following the spread of viral social media content alleging fraud.
“My office has received outreach from members of the Somali community after reports of home-based daycare providers being harassed and accused of fraud with little to no fact-checking,” Brown said.
Brown said his office is coordinating with the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families regarding both the claims circulating online and the harassment reported by daycare providers.
Attorney General Warns Against Confrontations at Private Homes
Brown’s statement explicitly warns against individuals taking investigative actions into their own hands. His statement said they were particularly concerned those actions involve private residences and children.
“Showing up on someone’s porch, threatening, or harassing them isn’t an investigation,” Brown said. “Neither is filming minors who may be in the home.”
Brown described this behavior as unsafe and potentially dangerous.
“I encourage anyone experiencing threats or harassment to either contact local law enforcement or our office’s Hate Crimes and Bias Incident Hotline,” Brown said.
Viral Posts and Online Amplification
The statement follows a wave of viral social media posts amplified by conservative outlet Hot Air, which embedded content from MAGA-aligned creators alleging widespread fraud at Somali-run daycare centers in Washington.
Washington officials stress that the claims shown in these posts have not been substantiated by state regulators or law enforcement. Brown warned that viral allegations can escalate into real-world confrontations.
Brown emphasized that suspected fraud should be handled through established channels. In a rush to go viral after fraud claims in other states, content creators in Washington started online campaigns with in-person confrontations.
“If you think fraud is happening, there are appropriate measures to report and investigate,” Brown said.
No Verified Findings Announced in Washington
As of publication, no Washington state agency has announced confirmed findings of systemic fraud tied to the viral claims circulating online.
Brown made clear that accountability depends on verification by appropriate authorities.
“And where fraud is substantiated and verified by law enforcement and regulatory agencies, people should be held accountable,” he said.
Officials note that home-based daycare providers may operate with limited public visibility for safety and privacy reasons and that a licensed listing alone does not indicate wrongdoing.
Spillover From National Controversy
The Washington reports come amid heightened national attention on childcare subsidy programs. Federal investigations in other states like Minnesota are making headlines as the Trump administration directs the Justice Department to investigate.
How Washington Investigates Daycare Fraud
| Step | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Licensing Oversight | Licensed childcare providers are regulated by DCYF |
| Reporting Concerns | Suspected fraud should be reported through DCYF’s official complaint process |
| Review Process | Claims are evaluated and investigated by regulatory agencies |
| Enforcement | Verified violations can lead to penalties, license action, or criminal investigation |
| Prohibited Conduct | Harassment, threats, showing up at homes, or filming minors |
State Draws Line Between Accountability and Harassment
Brown’s statement draws a clear distinction between legitimate oversight and harassment, warning that unverified claims amplified online can lead to unsafe situations.
Washington officials warned protecting children, ensuring lawful use of public funds, and maintaining public safety depend on established investigative processes. The office will look into viral accusations and self-directed enforcement.
Stay tuned as PNW Daily monitors any verified developments involving Washington daycare providers and state regulatory action.
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