Emmer Criticizes Lack of Assimilation Among Somali Immigrants

Rep. Tom Emmer from Minnesota expressed strong opinions on Wednesday regarding Somali immigrants who don’t embrace American culture, amidst reports of significant fraud within the Somali community in the state. Emmer made these remarks at a Faith and Freedom Coalition event in Washington, D.C.

“What do you think? Calling out criminals is not a racist thing… Sometimes Minnesotans worry about being labeled as racists or Islamophobes. It’s that fear that keeps people from speaking up. Personally, I don’t mind those labels, but I’m done being cautious,” he stated.

“I don’t care where you’re from. If you come to this amazing country, you have to recognize that you’re here to be American. We celebrate all cultures, and I think that’s great—whether you’re Italian, Polish, or Somali. But if someone isn’t willing to assimilate, maybe they should consider returning to where they came from,” he continued.

This wasn’t Emmer’s first time making such forceful comments. Back in December, he supported former President Donald Trump’s call for removing individuals who are liars and fraudsters from the U.S., emphasizing a need for accountability in Minnesota.

“Not all Somalis I’ve met in Minnesota are criminals,” he clarified. “However, a staggering 90 percent of those charged with the crimes we’ve seen come from the Somali community. I appreciate that Trump has taken this issue nationwide.” He also mentioned feeling frustrated that this was how Minnesota was appearing in the news.

“It’s essential to start prioritizing Minnesotans and to confront crime and fraud,” Emmer added.

In the same month, Emmer wrote a letter to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, requesting immediate action regarding serious allegations of fraud concerning publicly funded childcare and medical facilities operated by Somalis. This followed an investigation by a citizen journalist who claimed to have discovered over $110 million in fraudulent activities in a single day.

Somalis, similar to other immigrant groups like the Chinese, Indians, and Mexicans, are creating their own economic enclaves in the U.S., maintaining connections to their countries through online money transfers and investments. This flow of cash, often tied to fraudulent claims against the federal government, is attracting attention from both foreign governments and local entrepreneurs, potentially influencing Somali politics within the U.S.

Additionally, local mayors have highlighted the effects of fraud on their communities, expressing concern in February about how these issues are shaping their neighborhoods. Reports have indicated that Somali leaders in Minnesota are focusing more on maintaining ties to Somalia than on integrating into broader Somali-American culture.

Moreover, investigators noted incidents where individuals, including a Somali man, defrauded the state’s Medicaid program, funneling millions back to Somalia, allegedly supporting its terrorist organizations.

Further controversies arose with some politicians supporting claims that Somalis had successfully assimilated, contrasting sharply with Emmer’s stance and others that emphasize ongoing fraud investigations.

Notably, concerns about Somali taxpayer fraud have been connected to the Democratic Party’s political apparatus in Minnesota, as highlighted by Health and Human Services Deputy Secretary Jim O’Neill earlier this year.