Somali-American Leaders Launch Initiatives to Protect Community Amid Trump Attacks

Somali-American community leaders, in partnership with CAIR-Minnesota and allied organizations, are preparing to announce a series of initiatives aimed at supporting and strengthening the Somali-American community amid recent attacks by President Donald Trump and the rise of misinformation about them.

According to the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the announcement will include plans to establish Somali Heritage Month, starting in Minnesota with the goal of achieving national recognition. It will also feature expanded initiatives in community safety and support for Somali families, youth, and local businesses.

Coordination efforts will involve civil, religious, and community partners to combat harmful rhetoric and highlight the dignity and contributions of Somalis in Minnesota.

Broad Condemnation

CAIR-Washington condemned Trump’s recent offensive remarks regarding Somali Americans and Somali immigrants. In a statement, the council noted:“After years of targeting Representative Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, President Trump recently called for ending temporary protected status for Somali immigrants in Minnesota and made harsh statements against them during a recent cabinet meeting.”

Imran Siddiqui, Executive Director of CAIR-Washington, said:“Washington is proud to host one of the largest Somali-American communities in the country. The president’s comments insult not only this community but all immigrants. The Somali community is a remarkable success story, led by political leaders, entrepreneurs, attorneys, and hardworking individuals who sustain our airports and ports. We condemn this characterization and call on President Trump to stop targeting and disparaging this thriving community.”

Community Shock

According to the Associated Press, even for a president long critical of Somalia, Trump’s recent remarks were a shock to the country’s largest Somali diaspora. Trump told reporters:“They contribute nothing. I don’t want them in our country.” “We may go one way or another, and we will take the wrong path if we continue bringing trash into our country.”

On Wednesday, Trump reinforced his stance during a press briefing in the Oval Office:“Somalis must leave the country. They have destroyed our nation.”

He also criticized Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, who repeatedly condemned Trump’s rhetoric about Somalis, calling him “a fool” and adding,“I would not be proud of having the largest number of Somalis in the U.S.”

A Counter-Narrative

Somali-American entrepreneur Hamza Werfa, based in Minneapolis, responded:“I am not trash. I am an American proud of my identity.”

Werfa noted that anti-immigrant rhetoric has long been a political tool for Trump, similar to prior attacks on Haitian immigrants in Ohio.

The African Diaspora in Minnesota

Minneapolis–Saint Paul is home to roughly 84,000 Somali residents, nearly a third of all Somalis in the United States. Trump’s comments came shortly after reports that federal authorities were planning targeted immigration enforcement operations in Minnesota focused on Somali residents living in the U.S. illegally—though most Somalis in the state are American citizens.

Somali refugees have been arriving in Minnesota since the 1990s, drawn in part by generous social services and a growing diaspora community. They are now an integral part of the Twin Cities, establishing businesses, revitalizing neighborhoods, and increasing political representation in local and state government.

Community Challenges

In recent years, the Somali community has also faced difficulties, including arrests of dozens of individuals, many Somali, for alleged fraud against social service agencies, totaling hundreds of millions of dollars. Many of those arrested are U.S. citizens. Trump recently described Minnesota as a “hub for fraudulent money laundering activities,” linking the funds to Al-Shabaab in Somalia, though evidence for such claims is limited and no federal charges have been filed against alleged supporters of terrorism.

Protective Actions

Somali leaders and allies, including Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey, pledged to protect the community. Lawmakers and Minneapolis city council members held a press conference affirming this message and called on Republican lawmakers to condemn Trump’s attacks.

Somali-American residents like Werfa hope for a de-escalation of hostile rhetoric to focus on family and future opportunities:“I’d rather spend time with my daughter thinking about college and visiting campuses than have the President call me trash,” he said.