Trump focuses on Somali community in Minnesota: What you need to know

The Trump administration is preparing specific immigration enforcement actions aimed at individuals residing in the U.S. illegally within Minnesotas Somali community. In recent weeks, President Trump has repeatedly criticized the arrival of Somali migrants, many of whom came to the United States as refugees during the 1990s to escape civil unrest in their homeland.

Somalia, which is barely functioning as a country, they have no infrastructure. They just fight among themselves, Trump remarked to reporters on Tuesday.

Last week, Trump claimed that hundreds of thousands of Somali refugees are overwhelming the once-proud state of Minnesota. He also suggested that Somali gangs are roaming neighborhoods, targeting citizens who remain confined to their homes, posting the statement on Truth Social without providing evidence. Trump has singled out Minnesota Democratic Governor Tim Walz and Representative Ilhan Omar, who moved to the U.S. from Somalia at age 8, for criticism over the growing Somali population.

According to the U.S. Census Bureaus American Community Survey, approximately 260,000 Somali Americans were living in the country last year. Minneapolis alone is home to around 84,000 Somali residents, most of whom are U.S. citizens. Over half of the Somali population in Minnesota was born in the U.S., and 87% of foreign-born Somalis in the state are naturalized citizens.

Fraud Allegations Involving Local Nonprofits

The Somali community in Minnesota has been highlighted in national news due to its connection to a large pandemic-era fraud case involving the nonprofit Feeding Our Future, which ran programs claiming to provide meals to children. While the main accused organizer is white, numerous Somali individuals have faced convictions or pending charges related to the scheme, which involved falsified meal records and misappropriation of state funds.

President Trump accused the Somali community of defrauding Minnesota of billions of dollars, stating they contribute nothing to the states finances.

Federal Scrutiny Over Alleged Terror Links

City Journal, a conservative outlet, reported that taxpayer funds intended for local initiatives may have been diverted to Al-Shabaab, an al-Qaeda-linked militant group in Somalia. In response, the U.S. Treasury Department announced it would investigate the claims, despite limited evidence connecting Minnesotas Somali residents to the group.

At my direction, the Treasury is examining whether state funds, mismanaged under the Biden administration and Governor Walz, were diverted to Al-Shabaab, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on X. He emphasized that the investigation is ongoing to ensure taxpayer dollars are not funding terrorism.

Local Leaders Push Back

Minnesota officials have strongly opposed federal immigration operations, citing concerns over community safety and inclusivity. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey highlighted the citys pride in hosting the largest Somali population in the country, calling them neighbors, friends, and family who are welcome regardless of federal actions.

The Minneapolis Police Department urged residents to understand their legal rights while affirming that officers will respond to illegal or dangerous conduct, focusing on de-escalation and public safety. Police Chief Brian OHara called for peaceful demonstrations during any ICE activity and reassured the public that First Amendment rights will be protected.

Author: Harper Simmons