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.
When you're being targeted by the president of the United States, it's not really a good feeling, Aj Awed, executive director of the Cedar-Riverside Community Council, which represents a town known as Little Mogadishu for its large Somali population.
Concern has also intensified because of reports that officials have begun an enforcement operation in Minnesota targeting undocumented immigrants.
Mr Awed said 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 said. Just because you have an accent does not make you less American.
Trump made disparaging comments criticising the Somali community at the White House on Tuesday. I don't want them in our country, I'll be honest with you… their country is no good for a reason, he said.
Mr Awed said the comments were dangerous, adding it was not becoming of a president to be just attacking other Americans.
The president was responding to a question about whether Democratic Minnesota Governor Tim Walz should resign over allegations of large-scale fraud in a state social assistance programme.
Dozens of people have been charged over a scheme that federal prosecutors say involved a charity fraudulently billing the Minnesota government for meals for children during the Covid-19 pandemic.
While those accused of involvement represent a small fraction of Minnesota's large Somali population, Trump has repeatedly criticised the community, claiming that the state has become a hub of fraudulent money laundering activity.
Local community organisations had been anticipating increased immigration enforcement, but after Trump's comments they ramped up preparations, Ms Mohamed said.
One organisation has scheduled legal observer training in Minneapolis to educate people on their rights when witnessing federal immigration activity.
Others are preparing emergency contacts for ICE encounters and sharing information about potential immigration raids.
Everyone is just going to be in the space of caution, said Kowsar Mohamed, a resident. Is there fear? Absolutely. But no one is tucking behind their tail.
