US President Donald Trump has stated he does not want Somali immigrants in the US, telling reporters they should go back to where they came from and that their country is no good for a reason.
During a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Trump bluntly expressed, I don't want them in our country, I'll be honest with you, asserting that accepting Somali immigrants would lead to the US 'going the wrong way.' His disparaging remarks were made against the backdrop of planned immigration enforcement operations in Minnesota's large Somali community.
Local officials have voiced strong opposition to the ICE plans, fearing that the operations could result in the unjust targeting of American citizens who merely appear to be from Somalia.
The Twin Cities, Minneapolis and St Paul, boast one of the largest Somali populations in the world. In his comments, Trump characterized Somalia as barely a country and criticized Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, who is of Somali descent, calling her incompetent and suggesting she hates everybody - remarks Omar responded to by indicating his obsession with her is creepy.
ICE is reportedly positioned to target undocumented Somali immigrants in Minnesota, with reports indicating that hundreds could be affected. The issuance of such enforcement orders has raised significant concern among local leaders, particularly given that most individuals in the community are American citizens.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey remarked that ICE's intended operation infringes on due process, and Minnesota state Senator Zaynab Mohamed pointed out that most individuals targeted by ICE operations in their community are US citizens. Governor Tim Walz echoed those sentiments, emphasizing that while crime prosecution is important, indiscriminately targeting immigrants is not a constructive solution.
These developments come in the wake of intensified immigration crackdowns by the Trump administration and ongoing discussions about the status of Temporary Protected Status for Somali residents.
