MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — President Trump's latest comments about Somali immigrants have sparked significant outrage among the Somali community in Minnesota. During a Cabinet meeting, Trump expressed his disdain, saying, 'They contribute nothing. I don’t want them in our country.' He further stated, 'Somalians should be out of here. They’ve destroyed our country.' These remarks were met with swift backlash from community leaders and local residents, including Hamse Warfe, a Somali-American entrepreneur who countered the president's claims, proclaiming 'I am not garbage.'
Minnesota is home to approximately 84,000 Somalis, making up a substantial portion of the U.S. Somali population. Many have settled in the region since the 1990s, lured by the state's social services and supportive community. Leaders like Rep. Ilhan Omar, who Trump specifically targeted during his remarks, represent the increasingly influential Somali presence in state politics. Local officials including Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey have condemned Trump's comments, emphasizing their commitment to protect and support the Somali community, stating, 'Minneapolis is — and will remain — a city that stands up for our residents.'
Trump's comments come amid a broader discussion of immigration policy, particularly a recent announcement by his administration to pause all asylum decisions following a violent incident involving a National Guard member. The community is increasingly concerned as federal authorities prepare for potential immigration enforcement operations targeting undocumented immigrants, predominantly those from Somalia. The notion that a significant number of Somalis are U.S. citizens, many born in the country, adds to the complexity of the ongoing discussion surrounding immigrant rights and contributions.
Minnesota is home to approximately 84,000 Somalis, making up a substantial portion of the U.S. Somali population. Many have settled in the region since the 1990s, lured by the state's social services and supportive community. Leaders like Rep. Ilhan Omar, who Trump specifically targeted during his remarks, represent the increasingly influential Somali presence in state politics. Local officials including Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey have condemned Trump's comments, emphasizing their commitment to protect and support the Somali community, stating, 'Minneapolis is — and will remain — a city that stands up for our residents.'
Trump's comments come amid a broader discussion of immigration policy, particularly a recent announcement by his administration to pause all asylum decisions following a violent incident involving a National Guard member. The community is increasingly concerned as federal authorities prepare for potential immigration enforcement operations targeting undocumented immigrants, predominantly those from Somalia. The notion that a significant number of Somalis are U.S. citizens, many born in the country, adds to the complexity of the ongoing discussion surrounding immigrant rights and contributions.
