The president’s outburst followed a New York Times investigation published last week that detailed allegations of fraud involving Minnesota’s social-services system. The report said law-enforcement officials believe fraudulent activity “took root in pockets of Minnesota’s Somali diaspora” over the past five years. Critics quoted in the article contended that state authorities were slow to respond because they feared alienating Somali constituents.
Trump seized on the findings, urging Walz to resign and linking Omar to what he called a “welfare scandal.” Walz rejected the demand, stating online that he welcomed “support in investigating and prosecuting crime” but opposed what he considered an indiscriminate targeting of immigrants.
Shift from campaign outreach to pointed criticism
Trump’s harsh language contrasted with his approach during the 2024 reelection campaign, when he sought support from Somali American voters in Minnesota and other states. In a July 2024 podcast interview recorded before a rally in St. Cloud, he said Somali Americans wanted “safety” and “security” like everyone else. Some community members, including Minnesota resident Salman Fiqy, publicly backed Trump at the time, arguing that controversial rhetoric such as the 2017 travel ban was largely political theater intended to energize his base.
The president’s tone changed after the Times article and after a separate case in Washington, D.C., where an Afghan national was charged last week with fatally shooting two National Guard members. Administration officials have cited that incident as further evidence of what they describe as shortcomings in the immigration system.
Planned federal enforcement activity
Tom Homan, who oversees federal border operations, told Fox News on Tuesday that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement would soon increase activity in Minnesota. He did not specify a timeline but said agents would “enforce the laws of this country without apology.” Minneapolis City Council Member Jamal Osman warned that broad sweeps risk detaining naturalized citizens and lawful residents. “They’re going to screw it up so badly that they’re not just violating habeas corpus, but they are taking away the rights of American citizens,” Osman said at a news conference.
Local officials defend residents
Mayor Frey pledged that Minneapolis would support Somali American residents. “Our Somali American neighbors — the vast majority of them U.S. citizens — deserve to feel safe in their own country,” he said. Community leaders echoed those concerns, arguing that federal rhetoric and possible enforcement actions could heighten anxiety and sow mistrust between residents and local authorities.
Historical context
Somalis began arriving in large numbers during the early 1990s, with population centers developing in Minneapolis, Columbus, and Seattle. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the nationwide Somali diaspora exceeds 260,000 people. Many work in transportation, health care, and small business, and community organizations have become prominent in local civic life.
Trump’s latest comments add to a record of contentious statements about Somali refugees. During a 2016 campaign stop in Minnesota, he asserted that large refugee resettlement posed a security risk. In office, he supported stricter vetting and reduced refugee admissions. Despite those policies, his 2024 campaign made outreach efforts in Somali neighborhoods, hoping to narrow Democratic margins in the state.
Next steps
Neither the White House nor the Department of Homeland Security provided details on the timing or scope of forthcoming enforcement efforts in Minnesota. Gov. Walz said the state would cooperate with lawful investigations but would oppose measures he deemed “politically motivated.” Civil-rights advocates indicated they are preparing to monitor potential raids and offer legal assistance to residents.
As the dispute escalates, Somali American leaders say they are balancing concern over public rhetoric with a desire to maintain dialogue with federal officials. For now, community organizations are advising residents to keep documentation on hand and to know their legal rights should immigration agents arrive.
Crédito da imagem: Julia Nikhinson / AP
