ST. PAUL, Minn, (AP) — In a strong response to President Donald Trump's recent derogatory remarks about Minnesota's Somali community, Democratic Governor Tim Walz expressed his outrage, asserting that the comments reflect poorly on all Minnesotans. He emphasized that labeling any community as 'garbage' is not only harmful but unprecedented for a United States president.
Amidst mounting tension surrounding immigration in Minnesota, Walz stated, We’ve got little children going to school today who their president called them garbage. His remarks came after Trump described the Somali community in Minnesota, the largest in the U.S., as part of a larger narrative on government fraud and immigration issues.
Walz has sought support from Republican legislative leaders to join him in denouncing these remarks, but reactions have varied. Some Republican leaders diverted attention to alleged fraud in social service programs, questioning the effectiveness of Walz's administration in addressing these issues.
Trump’s rhetoric intensified following claims by conservative media, linking taxpayer-funded programs to fraudulent activities involving the Somali militant group al-Shabab. His administration's recent efforts include preparing an immigration operation aimed at Somali residents living unlawfully in the U.S.
As the Somali community in Minnesota, numbering approximately 84,000, faces increased scrutiny, local leaders, including Governor Walz, emphasized the importance of recognizing their contributions to the state’s cultural and economic vitality amidst rising xenophobic rhetoric.
In a broader context, community representatives across different states, including Ohio, expressed solidarity with Minnesota's Somali residents, labeling Trump’s comments as unacceptable and harmful.
Calls for unity and respect for diverse communities are now more critical than ever as Minnesota grapples with issues of identity and belonging in the face of national conversations on immigration.
