Minnesota's Somali Community: Facts and Fictions

Minnesota is home to the largest Somali community in the U. S. Over 84, 000 people of Somali descent live in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area alone. Many fled war and found safety in Minnesota's welcoming environment. Most are U. S. citizens, with 87% of foreign-born Somalis having gained citizenship. Recent political rhetoric has targeted this community. Claims of fraud and terrorism have been used to stir up fear. However, evidence supporting these claims is weak. Fraud cases, like the Feeding Our Future scandal, involved a diverse group of defendants, not just Somalis. Most were U. S. citizens. The Somali community has faced challenges, including recruitment by terrorist groups. However, these issues are not unique to Somalis. Efforts to combat these problems have been ongoing for years. The community has also made significant contributions to Minnesota's political landscape. Somali Americans hold offices at various levels of government. Critics argue that recent attacks on the Somali community are politically motivated. They see it as an attempt to divide and distract. The community, along with allies, has pushed back against these narratives. They emphasize the need for unity and understanding.