President Donald Trump has unleashed sharp criticism against Somali immigrants, accusing them of defrauding the U.S. of billions and declaring that “they all should go” back to Somalia. In recent statements, including a cabinet meeting and posts on Truth Social, Trump claimed Somalis in Minnesota are “ripping off our country” through welfare and program scams estimated at $19 billion or more, potentially reaching $50 billion.
The remarks focus on ongoing federal probes into fraud schemes, primarily in Minnesota’s large Somali community—the nation’s biggest, with around 80,000 residents. Investigations have charged dozens, mostly of Somali descent, in cases involving misused funds for child nutrition, Medicaid, and day care programs during the pandemic era. Trump singled out Rep. Ilhan Omar, a Somali-American Democrat, calling her a “total crook” and suggesting deportation for fraud-linked individuals, including citizens via denaturalization.
Supporters applaud the president’s stance as tough action against waste and threats, aligning with his mass deportation priorities. The administration has surged agents to the Twin Cities, revoking protections and exploring citizenship revocations for convicted fraudsters.
Critics condemn the broad brush as xenophobic, noting most Somalis are citizens or legal residents contributing as workers and business owners. Rights groups argue fraud cases involve individuals, not the community, and warn of fear spreading through families. Democratic leaders decry it as divisive, risking innocent lives amid heightened enforcement.
As raids continue and denaturalization reviews advance, Trump’s words intensify debates on immigration, fraud accountability, and community integration. With midterms nearing, the controversy highlights America’s ongoing struggle balancing security and inclusion.
