Noman Sabit: US President Donald Trump sharpened his criticism of Somali immigrants on Tuesday, telling a Cabinet meeting that he did not want Somali migrants in the United States and claiming they rely heavily on welfare and offer nothing in return.
Trump's remarks came as federal authorities prepare a targeted immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota, home to the country's largest Somali American community. "They contribute nothing. I don't want them in our country," Trump said, adding that Somalia is no good for a reason and that Somali Americans have caused a lot of trouble. He also attacked Democratic congresswoman Ilhan Omar. "Ilhan Omar is garbage. Her friends are garbage," Trump said. "Let them go back to where they came from and fix it."
The comments followed the administration's decision last week to end long-standing protections against deportation for Somali nationals, first put in place in 1991 when Somalia collapsed into civil war.
The planned Minnesota operation, first reported by the New York Times, is expected to focus on Somali immigrants in the Minneapolis – St. Paul area with final deportation orders. Hundreds may be targeted, and officials say incidental arrests are possible. City and state leaders condemned Trump's rhetoric and the looming sweep. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said local police would not cooperate with federal agents, warning that "American citizens will be detained for no other reason than they look Somali."
Minnesota's Democratic governor, Tim Walz, said the administration was demonizing an entire population, while community groups said the rhetoric has revived fears and inflamed tensions.
Around 95 per cent of Somali Minnesotans are US citizens, according to the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations.
Trump has continued to link Somali immigration to fraud allegations and national security risks, despite federal data showing only limited immigration cases linked to Somalia.
BP/SM
