Local Democrats Stand United with Somali Community Against Trump's Divisive Attacks

"An attack on one community is an attack on all Minnesotans."

The Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Units of Olmsted County condemn President Trump's racist and xenophobic attacks on Minnesota's Somali community and reaffirm our commitment to defending the rights, dignity, and safety of all residents.

Trump's recent comments describing Somali immigrants as "garbage" who "contribute to nothing" and his pledge to "immediately" end Temporary Protected Status for Somali Minnesotans represent a dangerous escalation of hateful rhetoric.

"Trump is trying to distract from his failures by demonizing Somali Minnesotans," said John Swanson, Chair of DFL Senate District 25. "We will not let him turn our neighbors into scapegoats. Somali Americans are students, veterans, health-care workers, and small-business owners who pay taxes and help make Minnesota one of the safest, most successful states in the country."

Minnesota's Somali community is deeply rooted in our state, with many second-generation citizens who are integral to what makes our communities successful, vibrant, and safe. Trump's baseless claims are not supported by evidence and represent a cynical political stunt designed to terrorize one community.

Minnesota consistently ranks as one of the best states for business, education, and community support. Any actual fraud is already being addressed through normal legal processes and prosecution. What Trump is proposing—mass targeting of Minnesotans based on where they come from or how they pray—is both legally dubious and fundamentally un-American.

CALLS TO ACTION

We urge all community members to:

• Contact Your Federal Representatives – Call U.S. Representative Brad Finstad to demand he oppose any efforts to terminate TPS protections or target Minnesota's Somali community.

• Attend Community Solidarity Events – Join us at We are Home: Stand in Solidary on December 7,2025 from 3 - 4pm at 125 Live, 125 Elton Hills Dr. NW, Rochester, MN. Show support for our Somali neighbors and demonstrate that hate has no home here.

• Speak Up in Your Networks – Share accurate information on social media and in conversations to counter Trump's false narrative about our Somali community.