Bangladesh, Dec. 30 -- Federal law enforcement agencies have launched a sweeping investigation in Minneapolis, Minnesota, following explosive allegations that a network of immigrant-run childcare centers fraudulently siphoned millions-possibly billions-of taxpayer dollars from public welfare programs. The probe, announced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on December 30, was triggered by a viral exposé from YouTuber Nick Shirley, whose on-the-ground footage ignited national outrage and drew attention from some of the most powerful figures in American politics and business.

At the center of the controversy are dozens of childcare facilities, many allegedly operated by individuals of Somali descent, accused of claiming publ...