Minnesota Democrats are rallying behind the Somali community despite reports of extensive fraud involving Somalis within taxpayer-funded health care programs.
Investigations have revealed billions in fraudulent activity within some of Minnesota’s overly lenient welfare programs. For instance, a Somali-managed organization, Feeding Our Future, allegedly defrauded the state of $250 million. In another case, millions meant for a state autism treatment initiative were misappropriated, again by a Somali group. Moreover, over $550 million was reportedly misused from Minnesota’s COVID-19 relief efforts. These instances are just a few among many, all pointing to significant fraud closely associated with the large Somali population in the state.
Compounding the issue, it appears that millions of these misappropriated funds have been funneled to the African terrorist group Al Shabaab by some individuals within Minnesota’s Somali community.
Yet, as investigations and prosecutions escalate, numerous Minnesota Democrats are quick to show their support for the Somali community.
For example, House DFL Leader Zach Stevenson has criticized President Donald Trump’s proposal to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somalis.
“Last night’s announcement exemplifies the worst of Donald Trump’s strategies: His policies are inflating costs across the board, from food to health care, and he knows it,” Stevenson expressed on Saturday. “Rather than addressing these issues, he’s seeking to distract by turning Minnesotans against each other. Blaming our Somali neighbors won’t lower food prices. We understand that the Somali community is woven into the fabric of our nation. We will always support Somalis, especially when opportunistic politicians like Trump attempt to exploit them for their agendas.”
State Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy also chimed in, condemning Trump’s proposals.
“Trump is unfairly targeting a small group of Minnesotans who fled to our state seeking refuge from violence and starvation,” Murphy stated. “They are victims who deserve our protection and kindness. Revoking their protection status won’t make Minnesota safer; it will return families to perilous situations. This is an unjust and mean-spirited act by a corrupt leader. We must resist any attempts to divide our communities with hatred and fear.”
Minnesota House DFL Leader Jamie Long also spoke out in defense of the Somali community on social media, accusing the president of trying to “scapegoat” Somali immigrants.
Some Somali leaders in Minneapolis are urging Christians to support them against Trump’s efforts to end their protected status.
On Sunday, hundreds of Somalis gathered at Carmel Mall in Minneapolis for a rally denouncing the president’s comments branding Minnesota as a “center of illicit money laundering activities.”
“What the president did is an assault on our community,” remarked Somali activist Khalid Omar. “He has chosen to turn our communities against one another and launched attacks on us,” he added.
