💥”Get Them OUT!” – ICE RAIDS Minnesota Somalis as Trump UNLOADS on Ilhan Omar and Tim Walz

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“Get Them OUT!”: ICE Raids Rock Minnesota’s Somali Community as Trump and Walz Clash Over Immigration and Fraud

Minnesota, home to the largest Somali-American community in the United States, has been thrust into the national spotlight following a series of high-profile ICE raids targeting undocumented immigrants in the Twin Cities. The raids, which have sparked outrage, fear, and political division, come amid escalating rhetoric from former President Donald Trump and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Both leaders have weighed in on the controversy, each with sharply contrasting views on immigration, accountability, and community protection.

The Raids Begin: A Community on Edge

Federal agents from ICE, CBP, and USCIS descended on Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding areas in a coordinated operation to locate and detain individuals suspected of living in the country without legal permission. The move was widely anticipated after months of mounting tension over allegations of fraud and misuse of public funds within the Somali-American community.

For many in Minnesota, the sight of ICE agents moving through neighborhoods was both terrifying and surreal. Local media quickly picked up stories of citizens—some long-time residents and legal immigrants—being questioned, detained, and asked to provide documentation. One such individual, Ali Dadahir, described his experience: “I’m a citizen of this country and they take me off and they hold me, they detain me here. I don’t know what they doing. I give my ID, my passport. Everything. They didn’t want to listen to me.”

Dadahir, who has lived in Minnesota for 25 years and works in medical transportation, expressed confusion and frustration at the process. “They said they’re going to take interview on and as soon as you come, they said it’s going to be hot. So they just run off. They took it off because of you guys. They didn’t want you to involve with it.”

Trump Unleashes: “We Don’t Want Them Here”

Former President Donald Trump, never one to shy away from controversy, weighed in on the situation with characteristic bluntness. “They contribute nothing. I don’t want them in our country. I’ll be honest with you. Their country stinks. And we don’t want them in our country. I could say that about other countries, too. We don’t want them to hell. We have to rebuild our country.”

Trump’s remarks, which echoed his previous statements about immigration and refugees, drew both applause and condemnation. Supporters praised his “tell-it-like-it-is” approach, while critics accused him of stoking xenophobia and unfairly targeting a vulnerable community.

The former president went further, linking the raids to allegations of widespread fraud in Minnesota. “I hear they ripped off Somalians, ripped off that state for billions of dollars. Billions every year. They contribute nothing. The welfare is like 88%. They complain. And from where they came from, they got nothing. Let them go back to where they came from and fix it.”

Governor Walz Responds: Defending Community and Due Process

Governor Tim Walz, whose administration has been under scrutiny for its handling of fraud cases involving public assistance programs, pushed back against Trump’s rhetoric and the federal raids. Walz emphasized the importance of distinguishing between individual wrongdoing and entire communities.

“Our police, many of whom are Somali themselves, are trusted partners in keeping people safe. They will not collaborate with any federal agency around doing immigration enforcement work. Our city staff and law enforcement will not ask the question as to whether an individual is documented or not,” Walz said.

He noted that the vast majority of Minnesota’s Somali population—over 80,000 strong—are documented residents and citizens. The city of Minneapolis, he added, provides free immigration legal resources and “know your rights” information to help residents navigate encounters with law enforcement.

Local Leaders Rally: Protecting Rights and Building Trust

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey echoed Walz’s sentiments, urging residents to call 311 for legal assistance and 911 if they suspect unlawful activity or impersonation of law enforcement. “You have the right to remain silent and the right to a lawyer. You can refuse to sign documents until that lawyer is present. You have the right to not open the door unless a warrant has been shown.”

The mayor’s office, alongside community partners, has worked to educate Somali residents about their legal rights and avenues for support. The message is clear: the city stands by its immigrant population and will not participate in federal immigration enforcement.

Police Chief Under Fire: Navigating Community Tensions

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara found himself in the crosshairs after comments about “groups of East African kids” coming into the city sparked backlash. O’Hara, who has worked closely with the Somali community, apologized for any harm caused by his remarks.

“If people have taken anything that I have said out of context in a way that’s caused harm, I apologize and I’m sorry for that, because that’s not my intention at all,” O’Hara said. He emphasized the importance of honesty about community challenges while reaffirming his commitment to working with Somali leaders to address serious problems.

Fraud Allegations: Separating Fact from Fiction

The ICE raids and political rhetoric have been fueled by ongoing investigations into fraud involving Minnesota’s public assistance programs. The most notable case, known as “Feeding Our Future,” involved dozens of individuals—many of Somali descent—charged with defrauding a federal child nutrition program during the pandemic. Prosecutors allege that millions of dollars were stolen through fake meal claims and shell companies.

While the scale of the fraud is significant, it is important to note that the majority of Minnesota’s Somali community is not implicated. Community leaders have condemned the actions of those involved and called for accountability, but have also warned against scapegoating and collective punishment.

Political Fallout: Division and Debate

The raids and allegations have deepened political divisions in Minnesota and beyond. Trump’s supporters argue that tough enforcement is needed to protect taxpayers and restore order, while critics accuse him of exploiting the situation for political gain.

Walz and other Democrats have sought to balance calls for accountability with the need to protect civil rights and maintain community trust. “We do not blame the lawlessness of an individual on a whole community,” Walz said. “We need our community to help us fix those problems together because it’s real and it’s serious.”

Community Voices: Fear, Frustration, and Hope

For many Somali-Americans, the raids have brought fear and uncertainty. Long-time residents worry about being unfairly targeted or caught up in enforcement actions despite their legal status. Advocacy groups have mobilized to provide legal assistance and support, urging calm and cooperation.

At the same time, there is frustration over the actions of a few individuals who have cast a shadow over the entire community. “It’s sad when a few bad apples spoil the bunch,” one resident commented. “We want to see some accountability and we want justice to be served.”

Trump’s Broader Message: Immigration and American Identity

Trump’s comments reflect a broader debate about immigration, assimilation, and the meaning of American identity. “These aren’t people that work. These aren’t people that say, ‘Let’s go. Come on. Let’s make this place great.’ These are people that do nothing but complain,” he said, referencing Omar and her allies.

For Trump and his supporters, the issue is not just about legality, but about values and contribution. Critics argue that this perspective ignores the realities of immigrant life and the contributions made by Somali-Americans to Minnesota’s economy and culture.

The Role of Media: Shaping the Narrative

The story of ICE raids and fraud in Minnesota has been amplified by conservative media outlets, which have framed the issue as a test of leadership and national resolve. Social media has played a key role in spreading both information and misinformation, with viral videos and commentary fueling public debate.

Local media have sought to provide balanced coverage, highlighting the complexity of the situation and the need for nuanced solutions. The challenge remains to separate fact from fiction and ensure that legitimate concerns are addressed without fueling division or prejudice.

Moving Forward: Accountability and Unity

As Minnesota grapples with the fallout from the raids and fraud investigations, there is a growing consensus that reform is needed. Law enforcement and government agencies are working to improve oversight, transparency, and communication with immigrant communities.

Community leaders are calling for unity and cooperation, emphasizing the importance of working together to address challenges and build a better future. “We must learn from this experience and work together to ensure that our government programs serve those who truly need them,” said a spokesperson for the Minnesota Department of Human Services.

Conclusion: A State at a Crossroads

The ICE raids in Minnesota have exposed deep tensions around immigration, fraud, and leadership. As Trump and Walz clash over the path forward, the Somali-American community finds itself at the center of a national debate about identity, accountability, and justice.

For many residents, the hope is that this moment will lead to meaningful reform, greater understanding, and a renewed commitment to the values that define Minnesota and America. As the story continues to unfold, the eyes of the nation remain fixed on the Twin Cities, watching to see what comes next.

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