BREAKING: U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar and Minnesota leaders are rallying in the Capitol rotunda today, November 24, 2023, to combat President Donald Trump’s alarming threat to revoke deportation protections for Somali Minnesotans. Just days ago, Trump announced on Truth Social that he would terminate the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program for Somalis, claiming the action would take effect “effective immediately.”
This shocking statement comes amidst claims that Minnesota is a hub for fraudulent activities and that “Somali gangs” are terrorizing the community. Trump stated, “It’s OVER! Send them back to where they came from,” igniting fears among the Somali population.
According to a recent congressional report, there are approximately 705 Somalis on TPS nationwide, with around 300 believed to be in Minnesota. Omar emphasized that Trump lacks the authority to unilaterally terminate TPS, criticizing his understanding of U.S. law. “Even little kids in eighth grade know that is not an authority that the president has,” she declared.
Trump’s remarks were fueled by a controversial investigation from the Manhattan Institute, alleging that funds from Minnesota programs have been funneled to Al-Shabaab, a Somali militant group. However, Omar vehemently rejected these claims, stating, “There is no evidence that taxpayer money in Minnesota has gone to aid and abet terrorism.” She condemned Trump’s language as dangerous, asserting it endangers the safety of Somali communities nationwide.
At today’s rally, Senator Zaynab Mohamed and St. Paul Mayor-elect Kaohly Her echoed Omar’s sentiments, describing Trump’s threats as an attempt to “purge” communities. “Painting an entire community with a broad brush has created an untrue narrative,” Her said, recalling her own family’s refugee journey.
In contrast, some Minnesota Republicans are backing Trump’s assertions. Speaker of the House Lisa Demuth applauded the president for recognizing “the seriousness of the fraud problem” in Minnesota, asserting that individuals abusing the system should face consequences. Senators Jordan Rasmusson and Paul Utke have called for an investigation into the potential ties between Minnesota state programs and terrorism funding.
Amid these escalating tensions, civil rights attorney Alec Shaw, representing the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, clarified that TPS cannot be revoked without action from the Secretary of Homeland Security. “While this is cause for concern, it’s not a cause for panic,” Shaw stated, assuring that TPS remains intact for now.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is closely monitoring the situation, stating, “Multiple efforts to cancel TPS holders in the first Trump term were successfully litigated.” He hinted at potential legal actions to protect TPS holders once again.
Leaders have expressed grave concerns about the possibility of violence against the Somali community due to Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric. Yusuf Abdulle, executive director of the Islamic Association of North America, recalled a previous incident where similar language led to a mosque being set on fire. “We’ve had enough of violence, politically motivated violence, and we’re not going to stand for it here in Minnesota, not anymore,” stated Majority Leader Erin Murphy.
As this situation develops, the implications for the Somali community in Minnesota remain uncertain. The rally at the Capitol signifies a strong pushback against Trump’s threats, highlighting the urgent need for unity and support amidst these challenging times. Stay tuned for updates on this critical and evolving story.
