‘Go back to where they come from!’

Trump calls Minnesota Somali immigrants and Ilhan Omar “garbage” as ICE targets the community

President Donald Trump called members of the Somali community "garbage" during a Dec. 2, 2025 cabinet meeting at the White House.

ICE will begin targeting members of the Minnesota Somali community. 

Officials made the announcement shortly before President Donald Trump broadly and angrily disparaged those of Somali heritage during a televised Dec. 2 cabinet meeting. Concluding the long and meandering meeting at the White House, Trump uttered what some are calling a racist statement, calling members of Minnesota’s Somali community – and Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) in particular – “garbage” and saying they should “go back to where they came from.” 

Leaders in the Twin Cities held a press conference to show their support for the East African immigrant community – a community made up largely of naturalized or birthright United States citizens. 

“The president of the United States opened his mouth to degrade a whole group of people and somehow that doesn’t surprise any of us,” said St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter. “We have prided ourselves of being a beacon for those coming from Europe, but the darker the skin of our immigrants are, the more our posture on immigration has shifted. That’s un-American. That’s concerning.” 

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey (center) along with St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter (left) and Minneapolis Councilman Jamal Osman during a Dec. press conference to condemn ICE targeting Somalis in Minnesota. (Photo courtesy of Mayor Jacob Frey)

“We love you and we stand with you,” said Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey to the Somali community. “Our commitment to the Somali community … every immigrant community … is rock solid.” 

Frey said there are close to 80,000 Somalis living in Minnesota, almost all of whom are citizens, or noncitizens lawfully living in the state. 

“Everyone knows our president is racist, xenophobic, Islamophobic; we’re gonna fight that,” said Minneapolis Ward 6 Councilman Jamal Osman, whose ward is largely comprised of Somali residents. 

Osman’s sentiments were echoed by Rep. Zaynab Mohamed (DFL-Minneapolis).

“They’re (ICE and the Trump administration) coming for every single person. They want to get rid of all Black and brown people in America,” said Mohamed in an Instagram post. “... If you have an accent they’re for you. If you don’t look like you’re ‘an American,’ they’re coming for you.”

Attempts were made to reach Omar for comment for this story, but the representative did not immediately respond to those requests. 

It’s estimated that up to 100 ICE agents are in, or are on their way to, the state.