MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — President Donald Trump has linked his administration’s immigration crackdown against Minnesota’s large Somali community to a series of fraud cases in which many defendants have roots in Somalia.
Recently, Trump labeled Minnesota Somalis as “garbage” and expressed his desire to limit their presence in the U.S. This move has intensified criticism of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, especially in light of allegations surrounding government fraud in programs meant to aid citizens amidst the pandemic.
With approximately 84,000 of the 260,000 Somali Americans residing in Minnesota, the accusations have ignited a political firestorm as the GOP ramps up attacks on Walz ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial race.
Amid claims of oversights leading to over $1 billion in potential losses from various fraud schemes, including one dubbed 'Feeding Our Future', more than 90% of the defendants in these investigations are of Somali descent. Critics argue that the sweeping statements implicate the entire community unfairly.
Rep. Ilhan Omar, a prominent Somali-American figure, defended her community, highlighting the fact that most are law-abiding citizens and taxpayers. She criticized the dehumanizing rhetoric that could provoke harmful actions by certain individuals.
Despite ongoing investigations, authorities have found no substantial evidence linking the alleged frauds to terrorism funding, as Trump suggested. Omar has advocated for accountability and transparency in addressing any misuse of taxpayer money.
