Jack Brewer, a former Minnesota Viking and University of Minnesota football player, shared his observations about Minnesota’s Somali community and the high-end businesses catering to them. He noted a stark demographic and class shift in the state.
“One of the luxury car dealerships has Bentleys and Maseratis. I know them from my time as an athlete and through business interactions,” Brewer said. “Unfortunately, a significant number of their top customers seem to be Somali scammers purchasing these high-end cars in a state with such limited good weather. They drive these flashy vehicles like they’re in Beverly Hills, taking advantage of taxpayer money.”
Images of deserted daycare centers have recently ignited controversy nationwide. Minnesota is now embroiled in a scandal over potentially misallocated tax dollars linked to its Somali population.
Brewer recalled witnessing the surge of the Somali population 28 years ago, a change that resonated closely with him as he is married to a legal immigrant. “I’ve spent a lot of years in Minnesota. My wife is from there, part of a family of Middle Eastern immigrants who not only assimilated but also reinforced my own sense of patriotism,” he reflected.
“There was a notable influx of Somalis, and gradually they established a vibrant community in Minneapolis.”
In the early to mid-1990s, a dramatic increase in Somali refugees occurred, primarily due to the civil war back home that began in 1991. Brewer, originally from Grapevine, Texas, noticed this trend as he transferred to the University of Minnesota, where the Somali population grew to about 15,000.
By the time Brewer joined the Minnesota Vikings in 2002, more than 5,000 students were already speaking Somali at home, according to reports. Over the years, he did business with many Somalis, noticing their increasing prominence in both local culture and the business scene.
“You can turn on the TV and see local leaders embracing their Somali roots, sometimes even prioritizing them over American values,” Brewer said. “This is a unique struggle for identity and tradition.”
Recent investigations have revealed that federal sources suspect millions meant for Minnesota’s Medicaid and other services were misdirected, possibly benefiting groups like al-Shabaab.
Notably, around 40% of Somali families receive funds from abroad, with the Somali diaspora reportedly sending $1.7 billion back to Somalia, outpacing the country’s government budget.
In Minnesota, political clout and welfare funds have seemingly merged in a significant way, leading to the rise of key political figures from the Somali community, including U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar and other local Democrats.
“These politicians seem well-entrenched, using federal resources for their campaigns and potentially sending funds overseas,” Brewer noted, expressing concern about the impact of this on American taxpayers. “I find this one of the lowest points for a state that has shaped who I am today.”
As a business owner, he’s been shifting his investments out of state recently. “Following the George Floyd incident, I had to reevaluate where I put my money,” he shared.
Somali residents have expressed frustration over being unfairly judged due to the actions of a few individuals. They argue that the broader community is hardworking and resilient, often juggling multiple jobs, yet the poverty rate remains painfully high.
Statistics show that from 2019 to 2023, about 36% of Somali Minnesotans lived below the poverty line, a figure significantly higher than the national average. The median income for these households hovered around $43,600, far below the national median of $78,538.
Najma Mohamad, a hairstylist who immigrated as a child, emphasized the negative stereotypes faced by the community: “Stereotypes are unfair; not every Somali is engaged in wrongdoing.”
Brewer supports the concept of legal immigration and sees the value in the contributions made by hardworking immigrants, as illustrated by his wife’s family. “Their business ethics and love for this country deeply inspired me, reinforcing my love for America too,” he said.
“They’ve achieved success in Minneapolis, which is a hallmark of what makes this country great.”
Yet, Brewer calls for serious measures regarding immigration. “I believe we should halt all immigration until we fully understand the extent of the fraud,” he asserted. “We need everyone on board—military, local police, our communities and churches—to safeguard our nation.”
