Somali-Americans in Minnesota have told of their heightened fear after US President Donald Trump intensified his criticism of the community this week. Community leaders told the BBC the 'apprehension is palpable' following Trump's remarks, in which he said he did not want Somalis in the US and the country would 'go the wrong way if we keep taking in garbage'. 'When you're being targeted by the president of the United States, it's not really a good feeling,' Aj Awed, executive director of the Cedar-Riverside Community Council, which represents a town known as Little Mogadishu for its large Somali population, stated. Concern has also intensified because of reports that officials have begun an enforcement operation in Minnesota targeting undocumented immigrants.

Mr Awed said the council would discuss the risks of holding an annual event scheduled for next week in-person because of the operation. 'The people that are getting caught up in this are people who don't speak that great of English, but who have been citizens for decades,' he continued. Trump made disparaging comments criticising the Somali community at the White House on Tuesday, stating, 'I don't want them in our country, I'll be honest with you… their country is no good for a reason.'

The president's remarks came in response to concerns about large-scale fraud linked to the Somali community in Minnesota, a situation that has escalated tensions. Jamal Osman, a member of the Minneapolis City Council, shared that many in the community feel fear due to their appearance and the recent enforcement operations. Local organizations are ramping up efforts to educate community members about their rights amidst fears of increased immigration enforcement.