US President Donald Trump has said he does not want Somali immigrants in the US, telling reporters they should go back to where they came from and their country is no good for a reason.
I don't want them in our country, I'll be honest with you, he said during a cabinet meeting on Tuesday. Trump stated that the US would go the wrong way if we keep taking in garbage into our country.
His disparaging comments coincided with reports of immigration authorities planning a targeted operation in Minnesota's significant Somali community. In response, Somalia's Prime Minister indicated that Trump's comments were not worthy of serious attention.
Officials in Minnesota condemned the planned operation, arguing it could sweep up American citizens who might appear to be from the East African nation. The development represents an intensification of Trump's rhetoric against Minnesota's Somali community, whose protected status in the US he recently pledged to revoke.
Trump has expanded his immigration crackdown following the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., allegedly by an Afghan migrant. Although his comments targeted Somali immigrants, critics argue they reflect a broader anti-immigrant sentiment.
During the cabinet meeting, Trump expressed disdain for Somalia, labeling it barely a country, while slamming Representative Ilhan Omar, who represents Minnesota and has been a frequent target of Trump's critique.
Omar responded on social media, suggesting Trump's fixation on her was creepy and that he needed help.
Reports indicate that ICE has been directed to target undocumented Somali immigrants in the Twin Cities, which houses one of the largest Somali communities in the US. Local leaders emphasized that most Somali community members are American citizens and condemned the planned enforcement as a violation of due process.
The operation is expected to affect hundreds, as Trump’s administration continues to tighten immigration policies, including a recent proposal to end Temporary Protected Status for Somalis in Minnesota.
Amidst this controversy, the Somali Prime Minister has advised against escalating tensions, suggesting a peaceful approach to Trump's remarks.
In the context of these events, Trump's overarching immigration policy continues to spur debate about American values and the treatment of immigrant communities.
