Mayor Frey’s Speech Resurfaces
A video of Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey addressing President Donald Trump’s immigration policies in both Somali and English has resurfaced online. Originally posted on June 6, it showcases Frey’s reaction to Trump’s ban impacting Mohamed Sabri Soliman from twelve countries. This followed an alleged incident during a Boulder, Colorado event that supported hostages taken during the October 7 Hamas attack in Israel.
In the video, Frey first addressed the Somali community in Somali before switching to English. “I want to speak directly to the Somali community,” he said. “Whether you’re from Mogadishu, Garowe, Hargeisa, Bosaso, Baidoa, or Kismayo, Minneapolis is your city. You are an important part of the fabric that makes our city strong, diverse, and united. No matter what policies President Trump puts in place, Minneapolis will support you and value who you are and what you bring to our community.”
Additionally, videos of Frey celebrating, including one where he danced while waving the Somali flag, gained traction on social media, along with a clip where he shared his wish to visit Somalia.
Meanwhile, Minnesota’s Democratic lieutenant governor, Peggy Flanagan, was also in the spotlight recently when she donned a hijab during a visit to a predominantly Somali market. This was captured in a video posted by Minnesota’s Somali TV.
On December 16, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara made controversial remarks during a press conference, equating undocumented immigrants to the parents of Jesus, and criticized ICE operations in the area. His earlier comments about crimes linked to a group of East African youth drew backlash, although a petition demanding his apology only garnered 629 signatures.
In November, Trump announced he would end Temporary Protected Status for Somalis, citing welfare fraud. He claimed that the influx of refugees had “destroyed our country.” Following reports of significant welfare fraud—amounting to at least $1 billion—U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) indicated they would enhance their presence in the Minneapolis area. There were concerns that some of the misused funds were funneled to the terrorist group al-Shabab.
On December 18, Joe Thompson, an assistant U.S. attorney, revealed that the alleged fraud concerning Minnesota’s Medicaid program had surpassed $9 billion.
