US President Donald Trump has expressed his opposition to Somali immigrants in the United States, stating during a cabinet meeting, I don't want them in our country, I'll be honest with you. He added that the U.S. would be heading in the wrong direction by allowing what he referred to as garbage into the nation.
These comments coincided with reports of planned immigration enforcement actions by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) targeting Minnesota's significant Somali community. Local officials have condemned these operations, arguing they could result in the unjust detention of American citizens.
In response to Trump's remarks, Somalia's Prime Minister, Hamza Abdi Barre, suggested that the comments should be ignored, expressing that making a fuss about them could be more harmful than moving on. He emphasized that many Somalis in Minnesota are citizens and should not be grouped with undocumented individuals.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey also criticized the impending ICE operation, stating, An operation by ICE means due process will be violated. With over 80,000 residents of Somali heritage in Minnesota, local leaders argue that ICE's plans will only exacerbate fears within their community.
Earlier, Trump announced a revocation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somali immigrants, a program established in 1991 due to ongoing instability in Somalia. His administration has intensified immigration enforcement following the recent tragic shooting of two National Guard members, though Trump did not connect this incident to his comments on the Somali community.
In further developments, Trump’s administration aims to address alleged visa fraud within Minnesota, while concerns over public safety and civil rights in immigration enforcement continue to rise. Local leaders are advocating for more supportive strategies rather than sweeping actions that target specific communities.
