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 stated he did not want Somalis in the US, asserting the country would go the wrong way if we keep taking in garbage.
Aj Awed, executive director of the Cedar-Riverside Community Council, representing a town known as Little Mogadishu for its large Somali population, shared, When you're being targeted by the president of the United States, it's not really a good feeling. Concern has escalated amid reports of an enforcement operation in Minnesota aimed at undocumented immigrants.
Awed indicated that the council would reconsider hosting an upcoming annual event due to the fears instigated by the enforcement operation.
Trump made further comments criticizing the Somali community during a recent White House briefing, saying, I don't want them in our country, I'll be honest with you… their country is no good for a reason. This followed questions about Minnesota Governor Tim Walz's handling of alleged fraud in social assistance programs.
Local community leaders are stepping up preparations for potential ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) activities, with some groups offering training to inform members about their rights in the face of federal immigration operations.
Overall, the Somali community in Minnesota, which numbers over 80,000, is uniting in response to the fears brought on by the president's comments and the intensified enforcement actions, aiming to support one another while preparing for potential confrontations with federal authorities.
