Minnesota Rallies Behind Somali Community After Presidential Attacks and Federal Raids

State Solidarity After National Scrutiny

People of Somali descent in Minnesota faced a turbulent week as national criticism and federal enforcement converged on the state’s large Somali community. President Donald Trump publicly disparaged the group and federal immigration agents conducted targeted arrests in the Twin Cities, while local leaders and many residents responded with visible support and solidarity.

What Happened

On Tuesday, President Trump made demeaning remarks that included calling Somali-associated figures "garbage" during a cabinet meeting. Within days, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the results of an operation it called "Operation Metro Surge," saying it arrested 12 people in the Minneapolis–St. Paul area, five of whom are from Somalia. The arrests came amid an ongoing pandemic-era fraud investigation that prosecutors say may involve as much as $300 million and has led to charges against dozens of defendants—many of Somali descent.

“People (were) saying that Minnesota Somalis are as Minnesotan as tater-tot hotdish... Somalis are as Minnesota as the state fair. That is, you know, we belong.”

Fear, Backlash and Local Support

The federal activity and harsh rhetoric triggered a wave of hate mail and threatening messages to mosques and advocacy groups. At the same time, Minnesota officials and civic leaders organized public shows of support: Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara joined an interfaith prayer circle; Mayor Jacob Frey visited a mall popular with Somali businesses; and U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar toured Karmel Mall to meet residents and small-business owners.

“As a former prosecutor, I’m strongly in favor of prosecuting those fraud cases. However, what the president has done here is indict an entire group of people.”

Community Context

Most Somali arrivals to Minnesota came after Somalia’s central government collapsed in the early 1990s. Refugees were drawn by job opportunities in industries such as meatpacking, hospitality and transportation, and by state social services that helped newcomers establish households and pursue education. Over decades, family reunification and community networks grew the Somali population: roughly 84,000 of the nation’s approximately 108,000 Somali Americans now live in the Twin Cities area.

That growing community has become politically significant: it helped boost Ilhan Omar’s rise to state and national office. Omar has frequently clashed with President Trump; after he attacked her by name this week she replied on X, calling his behavior an "obsession" and saying, "I hope he gets the help he desperately needs."

Voices From Minnesota

Some Somali Minnesotans expressed deep hurt and alarm at the president’s words and the federal enforcement sweep. Salman Fiqy, a Somali small-business owner who had supported Trump, said the remarks were the last straw for his support of the state Republican party. Community leaders, including Jaylani Hussein of Minnesota CAIR, said the backlash could ultimately strengthen civic bonds and prompt broader public learning about Somali Americans’ contributions and resilience.

“An insulting or cursing mouth is on the person who curses.”

Looking Ahead

Officials in Minnesota emphasized that pursuing fraud prosecutions and rejecting collective blame are not mutually exclusive. Many residents and leaders have pledged to support lawful accountability while defending the rights and dignity of an entire community. For Somali Minnesotans, the episode has highlighted both vulnerabilities and the possibility of deeper civic engagement.

Facts At A Glance: DHS said 12 arrests in "Operation Metro Surge"; roughly 84,000 Somali Americans live in the Twin Cities; the pandemic-era fraud probe involves allegations up to approximately $300 million.