Somali-Americans in Minnesota have described their heightened fear after US President Donald Trump intensified his criticism of the community this week.
Community leaders told the BBC the apprehension is palpable following Trump's remarks, in which he said he did not want Somalis in the US and that the country would go the wrong way if we keep taking in garbage.
Aj Awed, executive director of the Cedar-Riverside Community Council, which represents a town known as Little Mogadishu for its large Somali population, expressed that being targeted by the president creates a troubling atmosphere.
Concern has also intensified due to reports of an enforcement operation in Minnesota targeting undocumented immigrants. This has led to discussions about the safety of holding in-person community events amidst fears of possible ICE encounters.
Mr. Awed stated, People that are getting caught up in this are individuals who have been citizens for decades but struggle with language proficiency. Just because you have an accent does not make you less American.
Trump's comments during a White House press conference took aim at the Somali community, calling their home country no good and suggesting it was problematic for the U.S. to welcome them. Mr. Awed deemed these remarks as dangerous and unbecoming of a president.
In light of increasing ICE activity in the community, some activists, including Jamal Osman from the Minneapolis City Council, voiced concerns over the broader implications of such rhetoric, emphasizing that while individuals may commit crimes, the entire community should not bear the blame.
Kowsar Mohamed, a local resident, noted the visibility of law enforcement operations in their neighborhoods, saying, We're seeing boots on the ground activity where folks are just being plucked off of the streets and being asked about their residency status. She acknowledged that while the community had anticipated stricter immigration enforcement, the urgency to respond has ramped up following Trump's comments.
In response, community organizations have organized training sessions to educate residents about their rights and prepared emergency contacts to ensure individuals are supported during possible ICE encounters.
As the situation unfolds, the Somali community braces for more challenges while striving to remain resilient in the face of adversity.
