Somali-Americans in Minnesota have told of their heightened fear after US President Donald Trump intensified his criticism of the community this week. Community leaders told the BBC the apprehension is palpable following Trump's remarks, in which he said he did not want Somalis in the US and the country would go the wrong way if we keep taking in garbage.
Aj Awed, executive director of the Cedar-Riverside Community Council, which represents a town known as Little Mogadishu for its large Somali population, stated, When you're being targeted by the president of the United States, it's not really a good feeling. Concern has also intensified because of reports that officials have begun an enforcement operation in Minnesota targeting undocumented immigrants.
Mr. Awed indicated that the council would discuss the risks of holding an annual event scheduled for next week in-person because of the operation. The people that are getting caught up in this are people who don't speak that great of English, but who have been citizens for decades, he noted. Just because you have an accent does not make you less American. Trump made disparaging comments criticizing the Somali community at the White House on Tuesday.
Mr. Awed described Trump’s remarks as dangerous and inappropriate for a president. The statements were in response to inquiries about allegations involving the Minnesota Governor and a fraud scheme related to a state social assistance program.
Jamal Osman, a member of the Minneapolis City Council, shared his perspective, stating, Anyone who looks like me [is] scared right now, emphasizing that blaming an entire community for the actions of a few is unjust. The fears have intensified as the Trump administration ends Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somali residents and begins targeting those with final deportation orders.
Community members are noticing increased enforcement activity from ICE and gathering resources to prepare for potential interactions. Kowsar Mohamed noted, We're seeing boots on the ground activity where folks are just being plucked off the streets and being asked about their residency status. That's not a data-informed approach. In response to the fear within the community, local organizations have ramped up their preparations with legal training and coordination to support individuals facing encounters with federal authorities.
This growing distress highlights the broader implications of political rhetoric on immigrant communities and the precarious position many face as they navigate identity and belonging in a charged environment.
