US President Donald Trump intensified his criticism of Somali immigrants on Tuesday, telling reporters he does not want Somalis in the United States and urging them to “go back to where they came from”. His remarks came during a televised cabinet meeting where he claimed the country would “go the wrong way if we keep taking in garbage into our country”.
The comments coincided with reports of a planned immigration enforcement operation targeting undocumented Somalis in Minnesota. Officials familiar with the preparations said hundreds could be targeted. The New York Times first reported the plan.
Minnesota leaders swiftly condemned the proposal. Local officials said the operation might sweep up US citizens who “look Somali,” raising concerns about racial profiling. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey warned that such actions would violate due process. More than 80,000 Somali-origin residents live in the Twin Cities, with the vast majority holding American citizenship.
Trump also renewed his long-standing criticism of Minnesota’s Somali community and its Democratic leaders. He singled out Representative Ilhan Omar, calling her “incompetent” and claiming she “hates everybody”. Omar responded on social media, calling Trump’s “obsession” with her “creepy”.
During the meeting, Trump described Somalia as “barely a country” and claimed it lacked structure, further heightening tensions with immigrant advocates and human rights groups.
Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre downplayed Trump’s comments. He said he had not personally heard them but had been briefed. Citing a Qur’anic principle, he said it was better to respond “with peace rather than confrontation”. He added that Trump had made similar remarks about Nigeria, South Africa and other African countries.
Trump recently pledged to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somali nationals, a move that would affect only a few hundred people but has created fear among long-settled residents. TPS for Somalis has existed since 1991 because of ongoing conflict.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced plans to target visa fraud in Minnesota, while US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent launched an investigation into unverified claims that state funds were diverted to Somalia’s al-Shabab. Local leaders strongly dismissed the allegations.
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The immigration crackdown gained momentum after last week’s shooting in Washington DC that killed National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom and injured Andrew Wolfe. The suspect entered the US in 2021 through a programme for Afghans who assisted US forces.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz criticised the reported ICE operation, calling it a “PR stunt” that “indiscriminately targets immigrants” rather than solving real security issues.
