As news continues to unfold regarding a significant fraud scheme linked to Minnesota’s Somali immigrant community, it seems that at least one department is trying to downplay the issue.
KSTP-TV reported on the economic contributions of Somali immigrants in the state, particularly after President Donald Trump made a bold claim that they were not adding anything to the economy.
“It’s easy to ‘generate’ $500 million in ‘income’ by stealing.” [While suggesting theft led to this figure from U.S. taxpayers.]
Trump addressed backlash from Minnesota’s Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar by stating, “They contribute nothing. Honestly, I don’t want them here.”
He further remarked, “These individuals just complain. They don’t seem to gain anything from where they came. If their background is so troubled and all they do is grumble and act foolishly, they don’t belong here. Let them return and sort out their own issues.”
KSTP reached out to the local community for their thoughts on the President’s remarks.
“We are dedicated workers, going all out every day,” said Abdishakur Elmi, who owned a restaurant and moved to the U.S. in the 1990s.
His son, Abdihakin Daoud, echoed this sentiment, stating, “My father and I put in a lot of effort daily.”
The report claimed that the Somali community in Minnesota generates around $500 million in annual earnings, while paying approximately $67 million in state and local taxes. Moreover, the overall economic contribution to the state could be as high as $8 billion.
However, many online were skeptical about these figures.
“So they only owe a staggering $933 million due to the fraud linked to the autism center? That’s some powerful marketing,” tweeted Molly Hemingway of The Federalist.
“It’s really easy to declare a ‘revenue’ of $500 million through theft,” said another respondent, who criticized the media for not addressing the underlying issues.
Another user commented that this indicated that Somali immigrants might be significant net beneficiaries of local public services.
“It’s odd that many in the media and politics are defending this major Somali fraud operation. These individuals swindled over $1 billion from taxpayers and funded Democratic politicians and even terrorists. That’s truly unfortunate. It’s objectively negative. Stop the defense!” another critic stated.
Related: Trump calls for an investigation into the large-scale COVID fraud perpetrated by the Somali community, accusing Walz of attempting to cover it up.
“The whole Somali scam situation in Minnesota has caused a media uproar, so much that when it’s scrutinized, they end up sharing details that are quite negative for the Somali community,” commented another user. said.
KSTP sought comments but didn’t receive an immediate reply.
Daoud mentioned receiving threatening calls at the family restaurant.
“A man shouted at my father, telling him to ‘return to your country, you filthy Somalian. You shouldn’t be in our state,'” Daoud recalled.
