Right-Wing YouTuber Targets Somali Daycares in San Diego

Nick Shirley continues his campaign against Somali-run childcare facilities, this time in California

Feb. 3, 2026 at 5:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

After targeting Somali-run daycares in Minnesota, controversial right-wing YouTuber Nick Shirley has set his sights on San Diego, California. Shirley, accompanied by local activist Amy Reichert, has been spotted loitering outside childcare facilities and demanding to 'see the children.' This has led to reports of harassment against Somali daycare providers in the area.

Why it matters

Shirley's actions are part of a broader campaign to spread misinformation and sow distrust towards the Somali community. His tactics, which involve using public records to allege fraud without evidence, have already caused disruption and fear among childcare providers in Minnesota. This latest move to California raises concerns about the potential for further harassment and the impact on vulnerable immigrant communities.

The details

Shirley's approach is to obtain public records on licensed childcare facilities, looking for any citations or reports from state inspectors that he or his 'sources' deem suspicious. He then physically visits the daycares and demands to 'see the children,' taking a refusal as evidence that the business is a sham. In Minnesota, subsequent visits by state inspectors found that the daycares were operating as expected, with children present.

  • Over the weekend, Shirley posted a photo on social media saying he had 'arrived' in California.
  • Shirley and local activist Amy Reichert were reportedly spotted outside daycares in San Diego, with a tripod-mounted phone, over the course of two days.

The players

Nick Shirley

A 23-year-old right-wing YouTuber who has been targeting Somali-run daycares, first in Minnesota and now in San Diego, California.

Amy Reichert

A San Diego-based right-wing activist who accompanied Shirley on his visits to local daycares.

Doug Moore

The executive director of United Domestic Workers of America, who has condemned the harassment of Somali childcare providers in California.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“For over a month, Somali childcare providers have endured harassment by internet vigilantes who are dead set on exposing fraud in California's highly regulated government child care system. In the process, they are stalking and intimidating our members at their homes and places of business. These provocateurs are sowing seeds of hatred and distrust of our neighbors after taking cues from the president who referred to Somalians as 'garbage.' We treasure our Somali members and their contributions to our families, our union, and our communities.”

— Doug Moore, Executive Director, United Domestic Workers of America (Local News Outlet)

What’s next

Local authorities and community organizations are expected to continue monitoring the situation and taking steps to protect Somali daycare providers from further harassment.

The takeaway

Shirley's actions are part of a broader pattern of using unsubstantiated claims and intimidation tactics to target immigrant communities, which can have a chilling effect on essential services like childcare. This case highlights the need for vigilance and a strong community response to counter such divisive propaganda.