By Verified Insights PK | December 2025

Former US President Donald Trump has once again drawn criticism after launching a harsh attack on Somali immigrants living in Minnesota. In a fiery rant during a cabinet meeting, Trump used offensive language, calling Somali immigrants “garbage” and saying they should be sent back. His remarks quickly spread across the US and triggered fear, anger, and confusion within Minnesota’s Somali community, one of the largest in the country.

However, Trump’s comments came at the same time several US media outlets reported increased federal immigration activity in the Minneapolis-St. Paul region. According to these reports, authorities are preparing for large-scale operations targeting undocumented Somali residents, especially those with final deportation orders.

This combination of offensive language and tighter enforcement has created a tense atmosphere for thousands of Somali families, many of whom have lived legally in the US for decades.

Trump’s Remarks: “They Contribute Nothing”

While speaking during a cabinet meeting, Trump launched into a long, aggressive statement about Somali immigrants. He said Somalia “stinks” and is a “no good place”, adding that Somalis “do nothing but complain”.

He further said:

• “They contribute nothing.”
• “I don’t want them in our country.”
• “We’re going the wrong way if we keep taking in garbage.”
• “Let them go back to where they came from and fix it.”

Trump also insulted Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, a Somali-born US citizen who represents Minnesota’s 5th district, calling her “garbage”.

So, these remarks instantly sparked reactions from political leaders, journalists, immigrant rights groups, and the public. Many described his comments as dangerous, racist, and deeply harmful during already tense conditions.

Immigration Enforcement Ramping Up

Shortly after Trump’s speech, The New York Times reported that federal immigration officials are planning new operations focusing mainly on Somali residents in Minneapolis-St. Paul. The report claimed:

• Special “strike teams” of ICE agents will be brought in.
• Around 100 federal officers from different states are expected to take part.
• The primary targets are individuals who already have final deportation orders.

Other news agencies, including the Associated Press, confirmed similar details.

This increased enforcement is happening after conservative groups highlighted several fraud cases involving a small number of Somali residents. These cases involved allegations of misuse of funds related to food distribution, medical reimbursements, and housing support. While these cases involve a relatively small number of people, the right-wing media has repeatedly used them to paint the entire Somali community negatively — something local leaders strongly condemn.

Local Leaders Push Back: “We Stand With Our Somali Community”

Jacob Frey, the mayor of Minneapolis, held a press conference alongside other city officials after hearing about the expected enforcement activities.

He said:

• “To our Somali community, we love you, and we stand with you.”
• “Minneapolis police do not take part in immigration enforcement.”
• “Targeting Somali people means mistakes will be made. It means American citizens could be detained just because they ‘look Somali’.”

Minneapolis is home to the largest Somali population in the United States — around 80,000 people. Most are either US citizens or legal residents who have lived in the country for decades, run businesses, study in schools, and contribute to the local economy.

City officials expressed concern that the federal plan could create panic among families, break trust, and push vulnerable communities into hiding.

Federal Treasury Secretary Adds Fuel to the Fire

As if the situation were not heated enough, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that his department would investigate whether any taxpayer money was being misused and sent to the militant group Al-Shabaab in Somalia. He shared a story from a right-wing outlet that had made such claims.

Somali community leaders rejected this accusation and warned that such comments put peaceful citizens at risk of harassment and discrimination.

Fear and Confusion Among Somali Families

Many Somali families living in Minnesota say they now feel unsafe. Community organizations reported that:

• Parents are scared to send their children to school.
• Workers are afraid to leave home.
• Families who have lived legally in the US for years fear being questioned or detained.

Some US-born Somali youths — who are American citizens — say they worry they’ll be targeted because of their appearance, language, or cultural clothing.

The emotional impact has been strong. Community centers and mosques have reported people coming in tears, asking whether they should move to another state or even leave the country.

Political Debate Intensifies

Democrats and immigrant-rights advocates criticized Trump’s statements, calling them un-American and dangerous. They argued that such rhetoric fuels hate crimes and encourages discrimination.

Republican leaders either remained silent or indirectly supported the enforcement operations, saying stronger action is needed against immigration violations.

Experts warn that such language and policies create divisions and could lead to racial profiling, wrongful detentions, and long-lasting fear among immigrant communities.

A History of Tension Between Trump and the Somali Community

This is not the first time Trump has targeted Somalis. During his earlier presidency, he implemented travel restrictions that affected several Muslim-majority countries, including Somalia. He has also repeatedly criticized Rep. Ilhan Omar.

His new comments, combined with intense enforcement activity, indicate that Somali Americans may once again face political pressure, public hostility, and legal challenges.

Why This Matters

The Somali community in Minnesota is not small or new. It is a well-established population that runs local businesses, contributes to the economy, works in hospitals, drives taxis, owns restaurants, teaches in schools, and plays an active role in the state’s cultural life.

Calling them “garbage” or suggesting they “contribute nothing” is not only incorrect — it is deeply insulting to people who have built their lives over decades in the US.

Experts fear that such rhetoric may increase:

• Hate crimes
• Islamophobia
• Workplace discrimination
• Fear among legal residents and US citizens

Conclusion

Finally, the reported Trump Somali Immigrants operations have created a storm across Minnesota. Somali families are frightened, city leaders are calling for calm. And national debate over immigration and xenophobia has intensified once again.

As the situation unfolds, thousands of Somali Americans, many of them legal residents or citizens, wait anxiously for clarity, hoping their lives will not be turned upside down because of political rhetoric or harsh enforcement campaigns.