Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation used a battering ram to enter the Metro Learning Center on 13th Avenue South in Minneapolis just before 7 a.m. on Tuesday.
The day care in the Phillips neighborhood was one of several across the Twin Cities metro area where federal authorities simultaneously carried out search warrants.
RELATED: FBI executes 22 search warrants in Minnesota fraud investigation
State records identify the owner of Metro Learning Center as Abdullahi Musse.
Some time after entering the business, investigators could be seen handing paperwork to a man who responded to that name when approached by 5 INVESTIGATES.
“Nothing I know,” he said when asked about the FBI operation. He insisted his day care was still serving children and families.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services cited Metro Learning Center in January for failing to update a background check on one member of its staff.
So far, federal authorities have not commented about the nature of their search warrant.
The early morning operation captured the attention of neighbors in the area which also includes other Somali-owned businesses and an Islamic Center.
One person who does not want to be identified said the presence of more federal agents was unsettling for many after Operation Metro Surge and the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in January.
RELATED: Minnesota DCYF applauds state and federal collaboration in day care center raids
“There are so many real issues in this neighborhood and so many folks who are struggling in so many different ways who need housing, who need food, who need safety from violence and I’m not seeing these operations address those issues,” the person said.
Minneapolis City Council Member Jason Chavez also came to the area. He declined an on camera interview, but said he knew nothing about the FBI operation and only wanted to make sure neighbors felt safe.
This is a breaking news story. 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS is at several other raid sites and is working to confirm more details.
To avoid missing any updates throughout the day, download the KSTP app and follow KSTP on social media at the links below.
