Concerns have been reported within Minnesota's Somali-American community following recent statements by former President Donald Trump and the commencement of an immigration enforcement operation in the state.
Presidential Remarks
On Tuesday, Donald Trump made critical remarks concerning the Somali community. He stated, "I don't want them in our country, I'll be honest with you… their country is no good for a reason," and indicated that the U.S. would "go the wrong way if we keep taking in garbage." These comments were made during a response to a question regarding allegations of large-scale fraud within a state social assistance program in Minnesota.
Immigration Enforcement Operation
An immigration enforcement operation, reportedly targeting undocumented immigrants in Minnesota, began on Wednesday. This operation focuses on individuals who have been issued final deportation orders. The Trump administration had previously terminated Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somali residents living in Minnesota.
Community Response
Aj Awed, executive director of the Cedar-Riverside Community Council, which represents a significant Somali population in Minnesota, stated that community leaders are reviewing the feasibility of holding an upcoming annual event in person due to the reported enforcement operation. Jamal Osman, a member of the Minneapolis City Council and a naturalized citizen, addressed the fraud allegations, emphasizing that while individuals may commit crimes, an entire community should not be held responsible for the actions of a few.
Fraud Allegations and Investigations
Dozens of individuals have been charged in connection with an alleged scheme. This scheme involved a charity purportedly billing the Minnesota government fraudulently for meals intended for children during the Covid-19 pandemic. Kayseh Magan, a former investigator in Minnesota's attorney general's office, indicated that a number of Somali immigrants were implicated in this alleged scheme, which reportedly cost the state tens of millions of dollars. Trump has repeatedly referenced these allegations, claiming Minnesota is a "hub of fraudulent money laundering activity" and alleging that "hundreds of thousands of Somalians are ripping off our country."
On Wednesday, the House Oversight Committee announced an investigation into Minnesota Governor Tim Walz's handling of the relief scheme. The Trump administration also reported investigating claims that Minnesota tax dollars were being funneled to al-Shabab, an Islamist group affiliated with al-Qaeda based in Somalia. Governor Walz had previously advised against generalizing an entire group of people without proof, while also stating that assistance in investigating criminal activity and tracking financial flows would be welcomed.