Ex-Minnesota Governor Advises Against 'Stigmatizing' Somalis

Ex-Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty criticized the language used by former President Donald Trump when referring to the states Somali residents but acknowledged that some individuals were involved in a recent fraud investigation. The case, linked to the Feeding Our Future program, has led to dozens of arrests after federal authorities reported that more than $1.1 million in government funds were misappropriated.

Those responsible for illegal actions must face legal consequences, Pawlenty said during an appearance on NewsNation Live. However, it is wrong to cast blame on an entire community. He warned against the dangers of labeling any ethnic, racial, or religious group in negative terms, emphasizing that such rhetoric is harmful and divisive.

Minnesota hosts the largest Somali population in the United States, numbering roughly 107,000 residents as of 2024, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Nationally, about 73% of Somali immigrants have become U.S. citizens.

Earlier this week, Trump publicly stated he did not want Somali immigrants in the country, claiming they had negatively affected Minnesota, and referred to Somali Americans, including Representative Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), in derogatory terms. Current Governor Tim Walz condemned these remarks, calling them unprecedented and harmful to all Minnesotans.

Immigration Enforcement in Minnesota

Trumps administration has targeted Minnesota in recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations, focusing on Somali residents. The termination of Temporary Protected Status for Somali nationals took effect immediately, and federal immigration activity has been reported in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Governor Walz commented that while crime enforcement is welcome, broad targeting of immigrant communities is not a solution.

Pawlenty criticized the sanctuary policies in Minneapolis and St. Paul, which limit local cooperation with federal authorities like ICE, calling them ill-advised. He noted that when local authorities do not support federal operations, additional federal personnel must be deployed to ensure enforcement.

Author: Sophia Brooks