Minneapolis Mayor Frey Celebrates Somali Independence Day
Over the weekend, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey shared his thoughts with the city’s Somali community during a speech honoring Somali Independence Day. He referred to the community as “our family,” expressing solidarity and recognizing their significant contributions to the city.
Frey’s remarks come against the backdrop of mounting scrutiny in Minnesota related to several high-profile fraud investigations. This is particularly relevant following a Republican-led House Oversight Committee report that indicated that Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s administration did not adequately respond to repeated warnings about widespread fraud within the state’s social services programs.
During his address, Frey acknowledged the challenges faced by the Somali community, stating, “through the most difficult times and Metro’s surge operations, we all saw that they were coming to pick up some of us.” He emphasized a collective identity: “And when that happens, we say you’re coming for all of us.”
Frey went on to emphasize the unity within Minneapolis: “In Minneapolis, we loved our neighbors. In Minneapolis, we don’t see you as immigrants. We see you as our family. You are our brothers. You are our sisters. You have done so much for this great city, and we stand with you for that.”
His comments seemed to reference Operation Metro Surge, which was initiated by the Trump administration as a public safety and immigration effort in Minnesota. This operation concluded in February after significant arrests were made, which aimed to address concerns about public safety in the Minneapolis-St. Louis area.
Frey also extended his wishes for Somali Independence Day through a video shared on X, saying, “Happy Independence Day to Somalia.”
“Here in Minnesota, home to the largest Somali community in the United States, we celebrate the resiliency, culture and leadership that continues to enrich our city and community,” he added.
Earlier this month, a report from the House Oversight Committee claimed that the Walz administration repeatedly overlooked warnings of fraud related to social welfare programs, particularly referencing the so-called “Feeding Our Future” scandal.
The commission noted that more than 110 individuals have faced charges linked to various fraud schemes involving Minnesota’s Somali immigrant community.
Additionally, the report suggested that fears of potential racial discrimination allegations may have contributed to delays in addressing fraud claims, estimating that Minnesota has incurred losses of around $300 million in federal child nutrition funds during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Officials from the Walz administration, however, dispute these findings.
