US President Donald Trump has stated he does not want Somali immigrants in the US, telling reporters they should go back to where they came from and referring to their country as no good for a reason during a recent cabinet meeting. He expressed, I don't want them in our country, I'll be honest with you, suggesting that continued acceptance of immigrants from Somalia equates to allowing garbage into the nation.
His remarks come as immigration authorities are reportedly planning an enforcement operation targeting the large Somali community in Minnesota, which houses one of the largest Somali populations in the US. Local officials have condemned these anticipated operations, fearing that they will unfairly detain American citizens who may resemble the targeted demographic.
Trump elaborated on his perspective regarding Somalia, saying, With Somalia, which is barely a country, you know, they have no structure, and proceeded to criticize Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, a prominent Somali-American. Omar responded on social media, calling Trump's obsession with her creepy and urging him to seek help.
Reports indicate that the operation may target hundreds of individuals residing in the Twin Cities, which has seen heightened scrutiny from the Trump administration amid an ongoing national debate over immigration policy. Officials from the Department of Homeland Security stated that enforcement actions are not racially motivated but focus on individuals in the country illegally. However, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey warned that such actions could violate due process rights.
Following a recent tragic incident involving shooting deaths of National Guard members, the Trump administration has intensified its immigration crackdown, with new measures impacting immigrants who hold Temporary Protected Status, particularly from Somalia. Minnesota officials and community leaders are vocalizing their disapproval of these punitive actions, asserting that they disproportionately target innocent residents.
