Texas Lawmaker Challenges Testimony on Somali Immigration in Minnesota

A Texas congressman confronted Democratic witnesses during a recent Congressional hearing regarding the effects of significant Somali immigration on Minnesota’s communities.

Rep. Brandon Gill, a Republican from Texas, engaged former Justice Department attorney Brendan Barrow at Wednesday’s House Oversight Committee meeting focused on misconduct in Minnesota. Barrow represented the Democratic perspective.

Gill posed the question: “Does large-scale Somali immigration strengthen or weaken Minnesota?” Barrow’s immediate response was that it’s “certainly strong.”

Gill then pressed further, asking, “Do you know what percentage of Somali families in Minnesota rely on food stamps?” Barrow was caught off guard, replying he didn’t know.

Gill provided the figure: “54 percent. And how does that compare to households where the head of household is Minnesota-born?” Barrow hesitated over the term “indigenous households,” as Gill highlighted that only 7 percent of non-Somali households depend on food stamps.

As the dialogue continued, Gill inquired about the percentage of Somali households receiving Medicaid. When Barrow couldn’t provide an answer, Gill noted that it stands at 73%, contrasting sharply with 18% for non-Somali households. “That’s quite a difference,” he remarked, implying that many would agree with his concerns.

Gill stated that approximately 81% of Somali-headed households typically receive welfare, a statistic Barrow was unaware of. He then asked, “After ten years in the U.S., what percentage of Somali immigrant households still receive welfare?” Barrow admitted he did not know, to which Gill responded, “It’s 78%.” He pointed out that roughly half of Somalis of working age who have lived in the U.S. for over a decade speak English “very well,” questioning if that seemed low.

In a rhetorical flourish, Gill added that such numbers don’t contribute to national strength, suggesting most Americans might feel similarly.

Video of their exchange has been shared online by the Oversight Committee.

In Barrow’s defense against Democratic inquiries, he asserted that the number of Somali-related fraud cases in Minnesota remains minimal relative to the total Somali population, citing that only 82 individuals have been charged—representing about 0.07% of Minnesota’s estimated 108,000 Somalis.

Barrow compared these figures to a broader demographic, stating, “About 40 percent of white males under 23 have a criminal record,” arguing that such statistics aren’t directly comparable.

Gill later shared clips of the discussion on social media, highlighting that while a Democratic witness claimed Somali immigration would enhance Minnesota, the statistics present a different narrative.