Donald Trump has created a storm of criticism after making harsh comments about Somali immigrants during a televised cabinet meeting on Tuesday. Speaking in front of reporters, he said he did not want people from Somalia living in the United States and said they should “go back to where they came from.” He also claimed that “their country is no good for a reason.”
Trump’s Remarks Target Somali Immigrants and Spark Outrage
Trump continued by saying, “I don’t want them in our country. I’ll be honest with you.” He described Somalia as “barely a country” and said people there “just run around killing each other.” His comments shocked many community members, especially in Minnesota, home to one of the largest Somali-American populations in the world.
During the meeting, Trump also targeted Representative Ilhan Omar, who was born in Somalia and is the first Somali-American elected to Congress. He said Omar “hates everybody” and called her “incompetent.” Omar responded on social media, saying, “His obsession with me is creepy. I hope he gets the help he desperately needs.”
Native American actress Miles reports ICE refusal of tribal ID as encounter fuels profiling concerns
Local leaders, advocates, and members of the Somali-American community said Trump’s words were hurtful, dangerous, and could increase discrimination. Many pointed out that most Somali immigrants in Minnesota are now American citizens, business owners, workers, parents, and students who contribute to the state every day.
ICE Plans Minnesota Operation Targeting Somali Immigrants
The controversy grew even larger when reports surfaced that US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was preparing a major enforcement operation focused on undocumented Somali immigrants in Minnesota. A source familiar with the planning said ICE could target hundreds of people when the operation begins this week.
The New York Times first reported the news, and CBS News later confirmed it. ICE plans to carry out the operation in the Twin Cities—Minneapolis and St Paul—which together host an estimated 80,000 people originally from Somalia. This makes it one of the largest Somali communities outside of Somalia itself.
Local officials warned that the planned operation could sweep up innocent people based on appearance or background. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said such an ICE action would likely violate due process.
USCIS reveals 275 cases of suspected immigration fraud in Minnesota operation
State Senator Zaynab Mohamed noted that most Somali-Americans in Minnesota are US citizens and have lived in the state for decades, many since arriving as refugees in the 1990s.
The Department of Homeland Security denied that anyone was being targeted for being Somali, saying ICE focuses only on people who are in the country illegally.
Despite this, fear has spread through Somali neighborhoods. Families are sharing warnings, preparing safety plans, and worrying about possible separations. Advocates say the operation could deeply affect the community, including households with a mix of citizens, residents, and longtime refugees.
Political Reactions and Rising Local Concerns
The planned ICE operation follows a deadly shooting in Washington DC, where two National Guard members were attacked. The suspect, who is from Afghanistan, was arrested and charged. After the incident, Trump intensified pressure on immigration enforcement—especially in states like Minnesota, where he has political disputes with local leaders.
Last week, Trump announced plans to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somali residents in Minnesota. TPS allows immigrants from crisis-hit nations to stay and work legally in the US. Ending it would affect a few hundred Somali immigrants who received protection due to Somalia’s long-running conflicts.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also said her agency would increase investigations into visa fraud in Minnesota. Minnesota’s Democratic Governor Tim Walz, who was the running mate of Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election, criticized the Trump administration. Walz said that while the state supports helping law enforcement investigate real crimes, “pulling a PR stunt and indiscriminately targeting immigrants is not a real solution to a problem.”
Local leaders say the Somali community has become an important part of Minnesota’s identity. Somali-Americans own restaurants, drive taxis, run stores, serve in public office, work in hospitals, and attend universities. Many have built stable lives after arriving as refugees fleeing war.
But after Trump’s remarks and the upcoming ICE operation, many Somali families now feel unsafe. Parents say their children are asking whether it’s safe to go to school. Business owners worry that customers will stay home out of fear. Community leaders say the tension is unlike anything they have seen in years.
Even though DHS says the operation is normal enforcement, leaders across the state argue it could unfairly target Somali immigrants, damage trust, and disrupt thousands of families.