Minnesota authorities stand up for Somali community amidst Trump's criticisms

On Tuesday, Minneapolis authorities stated that they had no knowledge of any immediate federal immigration raids aimed at the city's Somali population, which has recently been the target of harsh criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump. Mayor Jacob Frey of Minneapolis addressed a report by the New York Times suggesting that over 100 federal immigration officers were preparing to arrive in Minneapolis and nearby St. Paul to target undocumented Somali residents. He emphasized that, regardless of potential raids, local authorities would continue to support the Somali community in every possible way.

Mayor Frey, a Democrat, confirmed that local police would not cooperate with federal agents on immigration enforcement and strongly condemned the presidents recent attacks on the Somali community. On Tuesday, Trump referred to Somalis as garbage and declared, we dont want them in our country. The presidents criticism of Somalis intensified following last weeks shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, which resulted in one death and led to the charging of an Afghan national.

To vilify an entire community is unjustifiable in any circumstance, Frey stated. Anti-immigration messaging has been a central element of Trumps political approach. Since his inauguration, federal agents have carried out aggressive operations nationwide, instilling fear in immigrant communities and provoking public protests in affected cities.

Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, did not confirm whether raids in Minneapolis were imminent but said that agents enforce immigration laws across the country on a daily basis.

Minnesota is home to approximately 80,000 Somalis, mostly residing in the Twin Cities area. Frey highlighted the communitys significant economic and cultural contributions, noting that many have lived in the U.S. for decades. He also stated that the vast majority of Somalis in the country are American citizens and expressed concern that any immigration action could inadvertently target legally present residents.

Last month, President Trump announced the termination of temporary deportation protections for Somalis in Minnesota, alleging Somali gangs were causing problems in the state, without providing evidence. Local officials have disputed these claims. Currently, 705 Somalis hold TPS (Temporary Protected Status) in the U.S.

During a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Trump escalated his rhetoric, claiming that Somalis had made no contributions to the United States. He stated, I dont want them in our country. Their country is no good for a reason. White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson supported the presidents statements, describing them as highlighting issues caused by Somali migrants.

Trump has a history of using inflammatory language against immigrants, including comments that illegal immigrants are poisoning the blood of our country. In response, St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, the citys first Black mayor and a leader of a community with a large Somali population, called the presidents statements racist and xenophobic. He referenced the U.S. Constitutions opening phrase, We the People, to stress that the attack targeted not just Somalis, but Somali-Americans, emphasizing that they are also Americans.

Author: Sophia Brooks