Minnesota Stands Up for Somali Neighbors Amid Trump's Harsh Words

In Minneapolis, local leaders are making it clear: they've got the backs of their Somali neighbors. Mayor Jacob Frey says he hasn't heard about any upcoming immigration raids targeting the Somali community, but either way, his city will stand with them. He's made it clear that local police won't be helping federal agents with any immigration issues. Trump's recent comments about Somalis have been harsh, to say the least. He's called them "garbage" and said they don't belong in the U. S. But Frey isn't having it. He says it's ridiculous to blame an entire group for the actions of a few. This isn't the first time Trump has targeted immigrants. Since he took office, there have been raids across the country that have left many immigrant communities feeling scared. But people aren't taking it sitting down. There have been protests and backlash in cities where these raids have happened. The Somali community in Minnesota is big, with about 80, 000 people living mostly in the Twin Cities. They've been there for decades, contributing to the local economy and culture. Most of them are American citizens, so Frey thinks any immigration action would unfairly target people who are here legally. Trump has been especially tough on Somalis lately. He recently ended temporary deportation protections for some of them, saying that "Somali gangs" are causing trouble in Minnesota. But local officials say that's not true. During a recent cabinet meeting, Trump said Somalis haven't contributed anything to the U. S. He even said their country "stinks. " But St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, the first Black mayor of his city, says Trump's attacks are racist and xenophobic. He says the people Trump is attacking aren't just Somalis - they're Somali-Americans, and they're Americans.