In a shocking display, President Donald Trump made remarks at a Tuesday Cabinet meeting that have left the Somali community in Minnesota reeling. He claimed, They contribute nothing. I don’t want them in our country and asserted, Somalians should be out of here. They’ve destroyed our country. These comments have drawn ire from many within the Somali community, which numbers around 84,000 in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area.

Hamse Warfe, a successful Somali-born entrepreneur and current nonprofit director, pushed back against Trump's rhetoric, stating, I am not garbage. His remarks highlight the community's contributions and resilience since migrating to the U.S. in the 1990s, seeking better lives and opportunities.

Local leaders and allies have united in support of the Somali community, rebutting claims that they are responsible for recent incidents of fraud. Minnesota's Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey affirmed their commitment to protecting the community.

Trump's comments come amid ongoing conversations about immigration enforcement, particularly targeted operations that may impact many law-abiding Somali-Americans. Alarmingly, he has suggested that the state is a center for fraudulent activities, which community leaders adamantly dispute.

As these events unfold, the Somali community in Minnesota continues to assert their rights and showcase their value in society.