Over ten years ago, residents in Minnesota urged House Majority Whip Tom Emmer to halt the influx of Somali refugees, but he dismissed their worries.
The Somali community in Minnesota is once again in the news after YouTuber Nick Shirley released a video targeting several Somali-operated child care centers over allegations of fraud. An old audio clip highlighted voters’ apprehensions about the growing Somali population well before this recent issue arose.
In a segment aired in October 2016, journalist Zoe Chase included memories from a July 2015 town hall meeting at Aces Bar in downtown St. Cloud. Chase reported the venue was packed, with one audience member expressing his belief that most attendees were there to discuss the integration of immigrants. “We don’t want Somalis. No one asked us in St. Cloud if we wanted Somalis,” he said, pointing out that organizations like Lutheran Social Services and Catholic Charities were relocating Somalis to places like St. Cloud.
“How many more are coming?” he continued. “We didn’t ask these people. Everyone you read is talking about this. That’s the main issue here.” The man expressed feelings of a lack of control over immigration, mentioning that not the people, nor the mayor had a say.
Recent data from the 2024 Census Bureau American Community Survey indicates that there are around 107,000 Somalis in Minnesota, with nearly 58% born in the U.S. and about 87% naturalized citizens. Minneapolis hosts the largest Somali community in the state, with about 84,000, while Hennepin County has roughly 50,000.
In a December report, fraud exceeding $9 billion was uncovered across Minnesota’s Medicaid services, according to CBS News, with over 90% of those indicted being of Somali descent.
During the town hall, Emmer responded to the audience member’s concerns, and Chase mentioned that he attempted to address what some perceived as implicit racism directed at Somalis. Emmer contended that Somalis were among the “fastest assimilating peoples,” though he faced groans of opposition from some in attendance.
“Oh, you’ve got to be kidding me,” one man was heard muttering.
Chase also noted a Somali man present who stated, in a strong accent, that he felt integrated into the community. At that moment, he expressed a desire to discuss his “fear” with the residents.
The crowd pressed Emmer to hold a vote on refugee matters. One attendee named Sue expressed frustration with the financial strain the influx put on her and others. “I think I speak for many. St. Cloud needs to take a breather, and we need to connect with those people,” she said before Emmer interrupted her.
“What does that mean? What does it mean?” he asked.
Emmer went on to inquire of Sue whether it meant that “no more immigrants should be allowed into St. Cloud,” which sparked a moment of hesitance among attendees, with some suggesting that such a moratorium should extend nationwide, a notion Emmer deemed impossible.
“Honestly, I can only respond as openly and honestly as possible, Sue. That’s not within my power, and it’s not what the Constitution dictates,” Emmer stated before transitioning to audio of Chase talking directly to him.
Emmer’s office has yet to issue a comment regarding this situation.
On Sunday, FBI Director Kash Patel announced that the Bureau would enhance its investigation into Somalia following Shirley’s viral video that highlighted the alleged daycare fraud.
Emmer has repeatedly referenced this video, accusing Governor Walz of turning a blind eye while “billions of dollars” are misappropriated from Minnesota residents. “Nick Shirley revealed in one day what Walz ignored for seven years,” Emmer stated. He further criticized Walz for inaction during reported bombings, contrasting it with a post celebrating “Happy Cat Day.”
A few days prior to Emmer’s town hall, he collaborated with then-Democratic Minnesota Representative Keith Ellison regarding a Somali Parliamentary Delegation. Back in June 2015, they jointly declared their commitment to addressing Somalia not just as a foreign policy concern but also as a national security matter important to their constituents.
Interestingly, the bar where Emmer had addressed community concerns has shut down and there are plans for it to potentially be converted into a daycare center. According to reports, an applicant named Ahmed Ismail requested a permit for Mother’s Love Childcare Center to accommodate up to 100 children, although the St. Cloud Zoning Board of Appeals postponed its decision in May.
