Somali-Americans in Minnesota have reported heightened fear after US President Donald Trump intensified his criticism of the community this week.
Community leaders informed the BBC that the apprehension is palpable following Trump's comments, where he stated he did not want Somalis in the US, suggesting that the country would deteriorate by allowing their entry.
Aj Awed, executive director of the Cedar-Riverside Community Council, known as 'Little Mogadishu' due to its large Somali population, expressed the unsettling feeling of being targeted by the President. He mentioned the escalating concerns due to reports of local immigration enforcement aiming at undocumented immigrants.
Among upcoming discussions are the risks associated with their annual event scheduled for next week due to these immigration operations.
Awed emphasized the ongoing challenges faced by long-time immigrants who may not speak English fluently, stating, Just because you have an accent does not make you less American. Trump’s comments, he remarked, were dangerous and unbecoming of a president.
The intensifying rhetoric comes as the House Oversight Committee announced an investigation into Minnesota’s handling of a fraudulent charity scheme involving federally assisted meals during the pandemic, which had also implicated Somali individuals.
Local officials are concerned that the community is being collectively scapegoated for actions of a few. Jamal Osman, a member of the Minneapolis City Council, highlighted the fear among community members who are naturally apprehensive during this tumultuous time, after the suspension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somali residents and ongoing enforcement operations against those with deportation orders.
Kowsar Mohamed, a community member, reported observing increased presence of ICE in the city, which is home to over 80,000 people of Somali descent. While community organizations are mobilizing to prepare residents on their rights regarding immigration encounters, the overarching feeling remains one of caution and uncertainty amidst the administration's harsh stance.
Is there fear? Absolutely. But no one is tucking behind their tail, Mohamed concluded, emphasizing the community’s resilience in the face of adversity.
