Former President Donald Trump escalated his rhetoric targeting Somali immigrants on Wednesday, intensifying his inflammatory stance as he told reporters, “Those Somalians should be out of here. They’ve destroyed our country,” adding that Rep. Ilhan Omar “should be thrown the hell out.” The comments, coming just a day after he labeled Somali immigrants “garbage,” have triggered a nationwide uproar amidst reports that ICE is preparing focused deportation operations targeting Somalis in the Minneapolis–St. Paul area.

Trump’s Escalating Rhetoric Sparks Outrage

Trump’s remarks represent one of the most brazen and direct attacks yet on the Somali community and one of its most prominent political voices, Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota. His comments paint a stark picture of exclusion and have been criticized as crossing a line into open racial bigotry. The former president’s harsh stance marks a significant escalation following earlier derogatory language and reflects an aggressive immigration policy rhetoric tied to his broader political base.

Local Somali residents and community leaders, along with many Minnesotans, expressed alarm and dismay over the incendiary language and its potential societal ramifications. “These comments are not just offensive—they embolden hate and risk inflaming tensions in a community that has contributed so much to this state,” said Mayor Jacob Frey of Minneapolis, emphasizing the city’s commitment to protecting all residents.

Reports of ICE Deportation Drives Intensify Fear.

The political firestorm coincides with intelligence that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is gearing up for a large-scale operation targeting Somali immigrants in the Minneapolis–St. Paul metropolitan area—home to one of the largest Somali diaspora populations in America. These efforts reportedly focus on individuals with final deportation orders, amplifying fears of imminent raids.

Community organizations and legal aid groups have increased outreach to alert residents of their rights and provide resources. Somali advocacy groups view the ICE preparations as a direct consequence of the hostile political environment fueled by Trump’s rhetoric, which they say targets their community unfairly.

Condemnation from Immigration Advocates

Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, senior policy analyst at the American Immigration Council, vehemently condemned Trump’s statements, describing them as “the kind of racism even Nixon kept to himself.” Reichlin-Melnick continued, “This is a level of sheer bigotry that would have been utterly disqualifying for higher office even a decade ago.”

Advocates argue that Trump’s language revives dangerous racial stereotypes and undermines decades of progress in immigrant rights. Experts warn such rhetoric aligns with a broader pattern of scapegoating minorities, which can lead to social polarization and increased hate crimes.

Political and Social Fallout

The controversy has exacerbated polarizations nationwide. Trump’s supporters praise his “forthrightness” and insist that tough talk on immigration is essential for national security and economic stability. Conversely, critics warn that the dehumanizing language does not reflect the diversity or values of the United States.

Rep. Ilhan Omar responded to the attack with a message of resilience. “Hate speech like this is designed to divide, but our community stands stronger than ever,” Omar said in a statement. “Minnesota thrives because of its diversity, and we reject attempts to make one group a scapegoat for complex societal challenges.”

Broader Implications for Minnesota and Beyond

Minnesota’s Somali community is a vibrant and essential part of the state’s social fabric. Immigrants and refugees fleeing conflict have rebuilt their lives, contributing significantly to the economy, culture, and civic life. The surge in hostile rhetoric threatens not only their safety but the social cohesion of the entire region.

The situation serves as a microcosm of national tensions over immigration policy, integration, and identity politics. Policymakers face critical choices: balance enforcement with empathy, and political discourse with responsibility.

Calls for Unity and Protection

Community leaders across cultural and political lines have voiced calls for unity and denounced inflammatory language. Faith groups, civil rights organizations, and bipartisan lawmakers urge calm and constructive engagement to prevent further division.

Local initiatives promoting dialogue and mutual understanding have gained traction in schools and neighborhoods to bridge divides exacerbated by political rhetoric. The goal remains clear: uphold the dignity and safety of all residents, regardless of their origin.

Conclusion

Donald Trump’s harsh escalation against Somali immigrants and Rep. Ilhan Omar has reignited fierce debate about immigration, race, and American values. With ICE operations reportedly imminent in the Twin Cities, the stakes extend beyond rhetoric to immediate human consequences.

As Minnesota and the nation grapple with these developments, the call for respect, justice, and unity grows louder, challenging communities to reject hate and affirm the country’s foundational principles of inclusion and opportunity.