US President Donald Trump criticised Somali immigrants during a cabinet meeting. First, he referred to them as “garbage.” Then, he said they should be sent back to Somalia. These remarks came as his administration prepared to tighten immigration action against undocumented Somalis in Minnesota.
He also attacked Rep. Ilhan Omar, who was born in Somalia and is now a US citizen. In addition, he said Somalia “stinks” and is “no good for a reason.”
“They contribute nothing. I don’t want them in our country, I’ll be honest with you,” he said. After that, he labelled Omar “garbage” and added, “We’re going to go the wrong way if we keep taking in garbage into our country.”
He continued his remarks and said, “These are people who do nothing but complain… When they come from hell and they complain and do nothing but bitch, we don’t want them in our country. Let them go back to where they came from and fix it.” As a result, his comments caused outrage among many people.
Crackdown in Minnesota Set to Increase
Meanwhile, The New York Times reported that federal immigration enforcement would increase in the Minneapolis–St. Paul area. This region is home to the largest Somali population in the US.
Therefore, federal agencies plan to send special “strike teams.” ICE officers and other federal agents will take part. In total, about 100 officers will arrive from across the country.
This move follows several fraud cases. Authorities accused dozens of Somali residents of lying to receive state money for food, medical care, housing, and autism services.
Earlier, the Trump administration also threatened to cancel temporary protected status for Somalis in Minnesota. Officials even called the state a “hub of fraudulent money laundering activity.”
Treasury Announces Investigation
At the same time, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced an investigation. He said Minnesota taxpayer money had “been diverted to the terrorist organisation Al-Shabaab.” He referred to a report from a right-wing media outlet. As a result, concern and fear grew across the state.
Minneapolis Leaders Show Support
In response, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey held a press conference. He addressed what he called “credible reports” of increased immigration enforcement. He made it clear that the city stands with its Somali community. “To our Somali community, we love you and we stand with you,” Frey said. “That commitment is rock solid.”
Furthermore, he confirmed that Minneapolis police do not take part in immigration enforcement. The police chief also said the department does not receive advance notice of federal operations. Minnesota is home to around 80,000 Somali residents. Most of them are US citizens or legal residents.
Frey warned about the danger of racial profiling. “Targeting Somali people means that due process will be violated, mistakes will be made, and let’s be clear, it means that American citizens will be detained for no other reason than they look Somali,” he said.
Tension and Fear Grow
As enforcement increases, fear is spreading among Somali families. Many people now worry about wrongful detention. Some also fear that even US citizens could be questioned because of their appearance.
However, local leaders continue to urge calm. They also ask officials to respect legal rights and protect innocent people. Meanwhile, the national debate on immigration continues to deepen.