Minneapolis supports Somali community despite Trump's criticism

Donald Trump launched another aggressive attack against Somalis on Wednesday, prompting Minneapolis activists to ramp up community protection efforts, including legal rights training and neighborhood watch planning.

During a White House briefing, a reporter asked Trump about Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, who has publicly supported the Somali community. Trump responded with harsh criticism, questioning the legitimacy of Somalia as a nation and claiming Somali residents have drained billions of dollars from the United States. He also repeated attacks on Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, a Somali-American, suggesting she should be expelled from Congress. Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota was labeled crooked and incompetent.

Trump further claimed, Somalis have harmed our country and constantly complain. They should go back to their own country and sort out their issues there. Earlier in the week, he referred to Somalis as garbage and expressed opposition to their presence in the U.S.

The Trump administration has announced plans to increase federal agents in Minneapolis to focus on Somali residents with final deportation orders, though details remain unclear. City employees, including police, are legally barred from assisting federal immigration enforcement under Minneapolis separation ordinance, which progressive council members are seeking to strengthen.

Minneapolis officials have shown public support for the Somali community. The city highlighted free local legal clinics and social media posts affirming solidarity. Mayor Frey signed an executive order preventing federal, state, or local agencies from using city-owned parking lots or properties for immigration enforcement, and initiated a signage system for local businesses to indicate agents are not permitted on-site.

Right-wing media has spotlighted fraud cases involving Somali residents, with more than 50 convictions over various fraudulent claims for services. This coverage has drawn attention from the White House and contributed to past threats to revoke temporary protected status for Somalis in Minnesota.

Minnesota hosts the largest Somali population in the U.S., estimated at around 84,000, most of whom are U.S. citizens or legal residents. In response to Trumps rhetoric, the community has quickly organized, enhancing knowledge of legal rights and neighborhood defense strategies.

Activists from Chicago led trainings on ICE watch tactics, helping residents monitor federal enforcement activity. Volunteers are standing outside schools with significant Somali student populations, while some right-wing accounts encouraged reporting immigrants to federal authorities.

The Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota voiced support for the Somali community, stressing their rights and advising non-citizens to carry proof of status, remain silent when necessary, and only open doors to officers with judicial warrants.

Local businesses have also joined in, distributing whistles to alert neighbors of federal presence. City council members have circulated updates about increased federal activity, including reports of residents being followed or detained, directing people to a rapid response hotline.

The Immigrant Defense Network reported multiple fast-moving ICE operations across Minneapolis. Council member Jamal Osman, a Somali, warned that Trumps statements and federal activity evoke the fear experienced in 1930s-40s Germany, urging community members to carry identification due to potential targeting based on appearance.

Author: Riley Thompson