MINNEAPOLIS (RTW) — President Donald Trump's recent disparaging remarks about Minnesota’s large Somali community have renewed discussions surrounding this immigrant group and its contributions to society. He stated that he does not want Somalis in the U.S. because they “contribute nothing,” following revelations about a planned immigration enforcement operation targeting unlawfully residing Somali immigrants in Minnesota.
Recent data indicates approximately 260,000 Somalis live in the U.S., with the largest concentration in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. Notably, nearly 58% of Somalis in Minnesota are American-born citizens, and an overwhelming majority of foreign-born Somalis are naturalized citizens.
Trump's administration has ramped up criticism of the Somali community recently, particularly after claims from a conservative news outlet regarding misuse of taxpayer dollars escalating to links with al-Qaeda affiliated groups. While Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent mentioned investigations into the possible diversion of funds, evidence connecting the community to terrorism remains sparse.
In a dramatic move, Trump announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status for about 705 Somalis nationwide, prompting backlash from state leaders and immigrant advocates who viewed it as an unfounded effort to instill fear.
Community leaders are pushing against the narrative that associates the entire Somali population with a handful of fraud cases, including the high-profile Feeding Our Future scandal. Prosecutors' estimates of public money theft in this case have risen to $300 million, with many defendants being Somalis, who represent the broader contingent of U.S. citizens within the case.
Amidst these challenges, the Somali community has made significant strides in Minnesota's political scene. Figures like U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar highlight the political influence the community is cultivating. Earlier incidents regarding the recruitment of young Somali men for militant groups still resonate, yet many now see Somalia as a stronghold for building a future in Minnesota’s democratic landscape.
Recent data indicates approximately 260,000 Somalis live in the U.S., with the largest concentration in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. Notably, nearly 58% of Somalis in Minnesota are American-born citizens, and an overwhelming majority of foreign-born Somalis are naturalized citizens.
Trump's administration has ramped up criticism of the Somali community recently, particularly after claims from a conservative news outlet regarding misuse of taxpayer dollars escalating to links with al-Qaeda affiliated groups. While Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent mentioned investigations into the possible diversion of funds, evidence connecting the community to terrorism remains sparse.
In a dramatic move, Trump announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status for about 705 Somalis nationwide, prompting backlash from state leaders and immigrant advocates who viewed it as an unfounded effort to instill fear.
Community leaders are pushing against the narrative that associates the entire Somali population with a handful of fraud cases, including the high-profile Feeding Our Future scandal. Prosecutors' estimates of public money theft in this case have risen to $300 million, with many defendants being Somalis, who represent the broader contingent of U.S. citizens within the case.
Amidst these challenges, the Somali community has made significant strides in Minnesota's political scene. Figures like U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar highlight the political influence the community is cultivating. Earlier incidents regarding the recruitment of young Somali men for militant groups still resonate, yet many now see Somalia as a stronghold for building a future in Minnesota’s democratic landscape.
