Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson has sparked controversy by denouncing independent journalists investigating alleged fraud in Somali-run daycares, labeling them as "extremist influencers."
According to The Post Millennial, Wilson expressed her support for Somali childcare providers who have faced what she described as "targeted harassment," urging those who feel victimized by hate crimes to reach out to Washington's Hate Crimes and Bias Incident Hotline.
In an official statement, she emphasized Seattle's commitment to solidarity, stating, "Our city will not tolerate anyone who is trying to intimidate, harass, or film Somali childcare providers. Such behavior is unacceptable and puts children and families at risk." Wilson underscored that these childcare programs are private businesses regulated by the government, not by private individuals or groups.
Wilson further pledged to collaborate with various city departments, including the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs and the Seattle Police Department, to ensure the safety and protection of childcare providers. Her remarks come amid comparisons by independent reporters between Washington's subsidy system and a daycare fraud scandal in Minnesota, as highlighted by journalist Nick Shirley.
The mayor's stance has drawn criticism from federal officials, with Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillion asserting that "asking questions/citizen journalism are NOT HATE CRIMES in America they are protected speech."
Dhillion also addressed Washington Attorney General Nick Brown, who had issued a similar warning to journalists, cautioning that any state official attempting to suppress journalists' First Amendment rights would face scrutiny from the DOJ Civil Rights Division. Mike Davis, former Chief Counsel for Nominations for the Senate Judiciary Committee, echoed this sentiment, warning Wilson of potential "severe criminal and civil liability under federal civil-rights statutes" if she targets journalists.
Journalists Cam Higby and Jonathan Choe have been at the forefront of uncovering discrepancies in state records, identifying several daycares that appear not to function as such. When Choe visited a location listed as Dhagash Family Childcare, he was informed by a resident that no childcare business operated there, despite records indicating the address received over $210,000 in taxpayer funds in 2025.
Higby noted that a September inspection revealed "multiple serious, and immediate risks to children," yet the daycare still received $22,000 that month.
Center Square reporter Carleen Johnson's investigation into Somali-run daycare homes in Federal Way revealed a lack of children present, with threats of police involvement when she inquired further. Kristen Mag, assisting Higby and Choe, pointed out that Washington lists 539 childcare centers with Somali as the primary language, yet many do not provide street addresses.
This situation raises questions about transparency and accountability in the allocation of taxpayer funds, highlighting the need for thorough investigation and oversight to ensure that public resources are used appropriately and effectively.
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