In a move that sent shockwaves through the nation’s largest Somali community in Minneapolis, President Donald Trump recently launched scathing attacks, labeling Somalis “garbage” and accusing them of “destroying our country.” These controversial remarks, including singling out Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar, were met with profound dismay and a powerful rebuttal from those directly impacted.
Hamse Warfe, a successful Somali-born US citizen and nonprofit leader in the Minneapolis area, articulated the community’s pain: “I am not garbage.” He emphasized the immense weight of presidential words, especially when they carry such demeaning and divisive messages. The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is a vibrant hub for roughly 84,000 people of Somali descent, many of whom are US citizens, contributing significantly to the fabric of American society.
Since the 1990s, refugees from Somalia have built new lives in Minnesota, establishing thriving businesses, engaging in public service, and becoming increasingly prominent in local and state politics. Despite this integration and contribution, the administration’s comments were followed by reports of targeted immigration enforcement operations and new policies halting immigration applications from Somalia and other countries.
However, the community is not standing alone. Local leaders, including Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, have strongly condemned the rhetoric and vowed to protect their Somali residents. Mayor Frey affirmed, “Minneapolis is — and will remain — a city that stands up for our residents.” Their solidarity underscores a powerful message: derogatory words and discriminatory policies will not deter a community that has worked hard to build a life and contribute to its adopted home.
