President Trump unleashed a fiery attack on Somali immigrants in Minnesota, calling them “garbage” and declaring he doesn’t want them in America as ICE prepares massive enforcement operations targeting the community.
Story Snapshot
- Trump called Somali immigrants “garbage” during December 2nd cabinet meeting
- President specifically attacked Rep. Ilhan Omar, telling her to “go back where she came from”
- ICE planning hundreds of arrests targeting Minnesota’s Somali community
- Trump cited alleged welfare fraud costing Minnesota “billions of dollars”
Trump’s Unfiltered Attack on Minnesota’s Somali Community
During a White House cabinet meeting on December 2nd, President Trump delivered scathing remarks targeting Somali immigrants in Minnesota, describing them as “garbage” who “come from Hell.”
Trump declared emphatically “I don’t want them in our country,” while claiming the community contributes nothing to American society. The President’s comments came in response to questions about Governor Tim Walz’s handling of reported fraud scandals involving Somali refugees in the state.
Trump specifically targeted Representative Ilhan Omar, calling her “garbage” and “a real terrible person” during the heated exchange. The President criticized Omar for her previous statements about American foreign policy, characterizing her comments as complaints that America is “a bad place.” Trump directed Omar to “go back to where they came from and fix it,” echoing controversial statements he has made about the congresswoman in the past.
Massive ICE Enforcement Operations Target Somali Immigrants
The inflammatory rhetoric coincides with reports that ICE is planning hundreds of arrests targeting Minnesota’s Somali immigrant community. These enforcement actions represent a significant escalation in immigration enforcement efforts, potentially affecting one of the largest Somali diaspora populations in the United States. The timing suggests coordinated messaging between Trump’s public statements and federal enforcement priorities, signaling a hardline approach to immigration policy.
Minnesota has served as home to tens of thousands of Somali refugees since the 1990s, many fleeing civil war in their homeland. The community has established businesses, cultural centers, and political representation through leaders like Representative Omar. However, Trump’s administration appears focused on enforcement actions that could disrupt these established community networks and economic contributions.
Welfare Fraud Allegations Drive Immigration Crackdown
Trump justified his harsh rhetoric by citing alleged welfare fraud, claiming Somali immigrants “ripped off that state for billions of dollars, billions every year.” The President asserted an 88% welfare dependency rate among the Somali population, though these specific statistics require independent verification.
These fraud allegations have become central to Trump’s criticism of both the immigrant community and Minnesota’s Democratic leadership under Governor Walz.
The President characterized Governor Walz as “grossly incompetent” for his handling of the reported fraud scandals, suggesting the governor should resign over the issue. This attack on Minnesota’s leadership reflects Trump’s broader strategy of connecting immigration enforcement to criticism of Democratic governance.
The focus on welfare fraud resonates with conservative concerns about government spending and accountability in refugee resettlement programs.
