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 said he did not want Somalis in the US and the country would go the wrong way if we keep taking in garbage.
When you're being targeted by the president of the United States, it's not really a good feeling, Aj Awed, executive director of the Cedar-Riverside Community Council, said. The community's concerns have been exacerbated by reports of enforcement operations targeting undocumented immigrants.
Awed mentioned the council's debate over the risks of hosting an upcoming event due to the crackdown, noting the impact on immigrants who may have lived as citizens for decades. Trump's comments, which he made in relation to a question about potential fraud in state social assistance programs, were deemed dangerous by Awed.
Jamal Osman, a Minneapolis City Council member and naturalized citizen, expressed the sense of fear within the Somali community, emphasizing that it is unfair to generalize blame based on a few individuals accused of fraud. Thousands of Somalis could be affected by the recent initiatives, especially after the administration revoked their Temporary Protected Status.
Furthermore, many community organizations are proactively preparing in response to the current political climate, offering legal training and creating safety networks to help those who may encounter ICE agents.
When you're being targeted by the president of the United States, it's not really a good feeling, Aj Awed, executive director of the Cedar-Riverside Community Council, said. The community's concerns have been exacerbated by reports of enforcement operations targeting undocumented immigrants.
Awed mentioned the council's debate over the risks of hosting an upcoming event due to the crackdown, noting the impact on immigrants who may have lived as citizens for decades. Trump's comments, which he made in relation to a question about potential fraud in state social assistance programs, were deemed dangerous by Awed.
Jamal Osman, a Minneapolis City Council member and naturalized citizen, expressed the sense of fear within the Somali community, emphasizing that it is unfair to generalize blame based on a few individuals accused of fraud. Thousands of Somalis could be affected by the recent initiatives, especially after the administration revoked their Temporary Protected Status.
Furthermore, many community organizations are proactively preparing in response to the current political climate, offering legal training and creating safety networks to help those who may encounter ICE agents.
