In a contentious move that captured national attention, right-wing YouTuber Nick Shirley has reignited his campaign against childcare centers, this time targeting facilities in California. Previously, Shirley gained notoriety for his viral video accusing Minnesota daycares, predominantly operated by Somali residents, of fraudulent activities. This video prompted the Trump administration to deploy federal immigration agents to Minnesota and temporarily freeze funding for childcare services. A judge later mandated that federal childcare subsidies continue, at least on a temporary basis.

Over the weekend the 23-year-old posted a photo of himself with the caption “Hello California I’ve arrived.” Like with his last video, which featured a “source” later identified by The Intercept as a far-right onetime political candidate and lobbyist, Shirley seems to have had a local tour guide: Amy Reichert, a San Diego right-wing activist who unsuccessfully ran for local election. She said on X that she spent two days with Shirley “checking out learning centers” in the city. An accompanying image appears to show the two of them — a tripod-mounted phone in tow — outside a business.

Shirley employs a controversial approach by scrutinizing public records of licensed childcare facilities, searching for any citations or state inspection reports he or his affiliates find questionable. He then visits these daycare centers in person, as he did in Minneapolis, where he demanded access to the children in care. Refusals to allow Shirley and his team inside were portrayed as evidence of fraudulent operations, despite follow-up inspections confirming that the daycares were functioning correctly with children present.

Now in California, Shirley hasn’t yet released a video about San Diego daycares, but local providers have reported feeling harassed. One provider recounted an unsettling incident to a local news outlet, describing how she returned home with children in her care only to find two men with a camera outside her residence. The men left when she entered with the children.

Doug Moore, the executive director of United Domestic Workers of America, condemned these actions in a recent statement. He highlighted the ongoing harassment of Somali childcare providers by what he described as “internet vigilantes” intent on uncovering fraud within California’s well-regulated childcare system. Moore criticized these individuals for intimidating union members at their homes and workplaces, adding, “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.”

Shirley’s content is heavily influenced by MAGA rhetoric and is crafted to attract views in an era driven by algorithms. His videos often repeat similar themes and settings, resembling the sensationalist “yellow journalism” of the late 19th century, adapted for the digital age. Shirley’s focus shifts based on audience analytics, and currently, the algorithm has directed him towards childcare centers.