Trump's Remarks on Somali Immigrants Spark Outrage Amid Planned ICE Operations in Minnesota
Published 2 December 2025
Highlights
- President Trump made disparaging remarks about Somali immigrants, calling them "garbage" and suggesting they return to Somalia.
- The Trump administration plans increased ICE operations targeting undocumented Somali immigrants in Minnesota.
- Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and other officials condemned the planned operations, emphasizing potential due process violations.
- The Somali community in Minnesota, the largest in the US, faces heightened scrutiny amid allegations of fraud and terrorism links.
- Representative Ilhan Omar, a Somali-American, criticized Trump's comments, highlighting ongoing tensions.
In a controversial cabinet meeting on Tuesday, President Donald Trump made inflammatory remarks about Somali immigrants, labeling them as "garbage" and suggesting they should return to Somalia. His comments coincide with reports of increased immigration enforcement targeting undocumented Somali immigrants in Minnesota, home to the largest Somali community in the United States.
Trump's Controversial Comments
During the meeting, Trump expressed his disdain for Somali immigrants, stating, "I don't want them in our country." He criticized Somalia as a country lacking structure and accused Somali immigrants of contributing nothing to the US. Trump's remarks also targeted Representative Ilhan Omar, the first Somali-American elected to Congress, whom he described as "incompetent" and "hateful."
Planned ICE Operations in Minnesota
The New York Times and other media outlets reported that US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plans to intensify deportation efforts in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, focusing on Somalis with final deportation orders. The operation, involving "strike teams" of ICE agents, is expected to target hundreds of individuals. The Department of Homeland Security, overseeing ICE, stated that enforcement actions are based on immigration status, not race or ethnicity.
Local Leaders Condemn the Plan
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and other city officials have strongly opposed the planned ICE operations, warning of potential due process violations. "Targeting Somali people means that due process will be violated," Frey stated, emphasizing that many in the community are American citizens. The mayor reaffirmed the city's support for its Somali residents, declaring, "We love you and we stand with you."
Broader Context and Allegations
The increased scrutiny of Minnesota's Somali community follows allegations of fraud involving state reimbursements for services like meal disbursements and medical care. Additionally, the Trump administration has previously threatened to revoke temporary protected status for Somalis, citing concerns over fraudulent activities and alleged links to terrorist organizations.
What this might mean
The planned ICE operations and Trump's remarks have heightened tensions within Minnesota's Somali community, potentially leading to legal challenges and protests. Local leaders, including Mayor Frey, may seek to block or mitigate the impact of these operations through legal avenues. The situation also underscores the broader national debate on immigration policy and racial profiling, with potential implications for the upcoming elections. Representative Ilhan Omar's response highlights the ongoing political and social challenges faced by immigrant communities in the US.
