President Donald Trump has once again directed sharp criticism towards Somali immigrants, expressing his desire to prevent their entry into the United States. During a recent Cabinet meeting, Trump claimed that these immigrants are heavily reliant on welfare systems and offer little in return to the nation. This inflammatory rhetoric emerged as federal authorities prepared for a targeted immigration crackdown in Minnesota, home to the largest Somali diaspora in the U.S.
“We don’t want them in our country,” Trump stated unequivocally. He questioned their positive impact, suggesting, “They contribute nothing.” The President also reignited his attacks on Representative Ilhan Omar, who, along with her family, immigrated to the U.S. after escaping the Somali civil war and residing in a Kenyan refugee camp. Trump controversially described Omar as “garbage” and extended this label to her associates, implying they were detrimental to the nation.
He further depicted Somali immigrants as unproductive, asserting, “These aren’t people that work… These are people that do nothing but complain.” These pronouncements come shortly after the administration revoked Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somali nationals, a protection that had been in effect since 1991. The impending immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota is expected to focus on individuals with outstanding deportation orders within the Somali community in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. Reports indicate hundreds could be subject to this action. Trump has previously voiced his intent to deport Somalis and alleged that Minnesota serves as a center for financial fraud and illicit activities.