Trump's Immigration Crackdown: Minnesota Somalis in the Spotlight Amid Fraud Claims

Wed Dec 10 2025 01:45:43 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In response to a series of fraud cases in Minnesota, President Donald Trump has intensified his immigration crackdown targeting the state's Somali community, sparking significant political controversy.

President Trump has linked his immigration enforcement actions against Minnesota's Somali population to ongoing fraud investigations that have reportedly cost taxpayers hundreds of millions. With accusations of racism and political maneuvering ahead of the gubernatorial race, tensions rise as more than 90% of those charged stem from the Somali community. Critics, including Rep. Ilhan Omar, argue that the broader community should not be held accountable for the actions of a few.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — President Donald Trump has intensified his crackdown on immigration linked to the fraud cases in Minnesota involving a substantial Somali population. The action has stirred up political tensions in the lead-up to the 2026 gubernatorial race and accusations of racial profiling against the Somali community.

Recently, Trump made derogatory remarks about Minnesota's Somalis, even labeling them as 'garbage' and expressing his desire to limit their presence in the U.S. This rhetoric coincides with a series of fraud investigations that have reportedly cost the state an estimated $300 million, with total losses potentially surpassing $1 billion, according to federal prosecutors.

Gov. Tim Walz has faced criticism for his handling of the alleged fraud cases, particularly from Republican opponents. Minnesota hosts the largest Somali population in the U.S., with a majority of them being American citizens. Critics argue that widespread allegations against the community are harmful, as most individuals are law-abiding citizens.

Among the charges involving nearly 90% of the defendants being of Somali descent from various fraud cases, the Feeding Our Future case has been notably highlighted. This involved a scheme centered on a federally backed program that aimed to provide meals to children during the COVID-19 pandemic, with accusations of funds being misappropriated rather than utilized for its intended purpose.

Representative Ilhan Omar, a prominent leader within the Somali community, has denounced Trump's comments, stating that such negative categorization can lead to dangerous perceptions and actions against the community. She emphasizes the collective impact on the Somali community, which, as taxpayers, could have benefited from the misappropriated funds.

While Trump has suggested that fraud proceeds may be linked to supporting terrorism, officials, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, noted the absence of evidence connecting these frauds to terrorist activities. This continues to be a contentious political narrative as federal investigations unfold.

Omar has urged thorough investigations into any potential misuse of funds. She is hopeful that measures will be taken to prevent any recurrence of fraud and protect the integrity of support systems meant for vulnerable communities.