Trump refers to Somali refugees as 'waste' before scheduled deportation

Federal immigration authorities are preparing to detain Somali residents in Minnesota following President Donald Trumps recent remarks describing the refugees as garbage. Local leaders in the Twin Cities criticized the presidents statements and expressed concerns about the impact of the upcoming enforcement actions.

During his final Cabinet meeting of the year, Trump made derogatory comments about Somali refugees in Minnesota, questioning their contributions and the stability of their homeland. He stated, I don't want them in our country. Their country is no good for a reason. Their country stinks and we don't want them in our country.

Some of the presidents sharpest comments were aimed at Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., a naturalized U.S. citizen and former Somali refugee. Trump referred to Omar and her associates as garbage and criticized their work ethic. Omar responded by calling Trumps focus on her and the Somali community creepy and unhealthy.

Hours after the Cabinet meeting, news outlets reported that federal immigration officers were planning a round-up in Minneapolis and St. Paul. The operation aims to detain Somalis under final deportation orders as well as those awaiting legal authorization to stay in the U.S.

Minnesota is home to the largest Somali population in the United States. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, roughly 3.8% of the states 5.7 million residents are non-citizens. Immigration patrols are expected to begin this week, targeting Somali immigrants in the Twin Cities.

The enforcement follows Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noems review of Somalis eligibility for Temporary Protected Status, granted to people from countries in crisis. Concurrently, the Treasury Department announced an investigation into Minnesotas welfare programs after Trump claimed the state is a center of fraudulent financial activity allegedly linked to Somali militants.

Local officials denounced both the presidents comments and the planned federal operation. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey stated that up to 100 federal agents could be deployed without prior notice and clarified that local police would not cooperate in enforcing immigration laws. He warned that targeting Somali residents could lead to violations of due process and wrongful detentions of U.S. citizens based on appearance.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian OHara highlighted the climate of fear among immigrant communities, noting that residents are hesitant to attend church, shop locally, or contact authorities when needed. This atmosphere, he said, undermines city safety as potential offenders feel emboldened.

Author: Caleb Jennings