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Community leaders describe heightened anxiety
Somali-Americans in Minnesota say they feel increasingly targeted after President Donald Trump escalated his criticism of their community this week, calling its members unwelcome in the U.S. and linking them to fraud allegations.
Trump's comments spark backlash
During a White House briefing on Tuesday, Trump stated he did not want Somalis in the country, arguing their presence would lead the U.S. "the wrong way." He also referred to Somalis as "garbage" and claimed their home country was undesirable "for a reason."
Aj Awed, who leads the Cedar-Riverside Community Council-a group representing Minneapolis's "Little Mogadishu" neighborhood-called the remarks "dangerous" and unbecoming of a president. "When you're being targeted by the leader of the country, it doesn't feel good," he told the BBC.
Fraud allegations fuel tensions
Trump's criticism followed reports of a federal investigation into a Minnesota social assistance program, where dozens face charges for allegedly defrauding the state of tens of millions of dollars. Some of those implicated are Somali immigrants, though they represent a small fraction of the state's Somali population.
Kayseh Magan, a former investigator in Minnesota's attorney general's office, confirmed the scheme involved a charity falsely billing the government for meals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this, Trump has repeatedly framed the issue as widespread fraud tied to the Somali community, claiming last month that the state is a "hub of fraudulent money laundering" and that "hundreds of thousands of Somalians are ripping off our country."
Immigration enforcement raises alarms
Compounding fears, federal authorities launched an operation in Minnesota this week targeting undocumented immigrants with final deportation orders. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) denied racial profiling, stating enforcement is based solely on legal status. However, community members report seeing increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity, including stops in public spaces.
Kowsar Mohamed, a Minneapolis resident, described the situation as chaotic. "Folks are being plucked off the streets and asked about their residency status. That's not a data-driven approach," she said. While most have proper identification, she added, the fear stems from potential mistakes in enforcement.
Community responds with caution
Local organizations have intensified preparations, including legal observer training to educate residents on their rights during ICE encounters. Mohamed noted that groups are sharing emergency contacts and monitoring unmarked vehicles in private messaging channels.
"Everyone is in a space of caution. Is there fear? Absolutely. But no one is backing down."
Kowsar Mohamed, Minneapolis resident
Minneapolis City Council Member Jamal Osman, a naturalized citizen who moved to the U.S. at 14, echoed concerns. "Anyone who looks like me is scared right now," he told CBS News. While acknowledging individual crimes, he stressed that the entire community should not be blamed for the actions of a few.
Political fallout continues
The House Oversight Committee announced Wednesday it would investigate Democratic Governor Tim Walz's handling of the relief program. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is also probing claims that Minnesota tax dollars may have been funneled to al-Shabab, an al-Qaeda-linked group in Somalia. Walz has denied broad accusations against the Somali community, calling them "demonizing," but welcomed investigations into specific criminal activity.
Awed's council is now weighing whether to proceed with an annual in-person event next week, citing safety concerns amid the enforcement operation. "The people getting caught up in this are often long-time citizens who don't speak fluent English," he said. "Having an accent doesn't make you less American."
