US president Donald Trump ignited a fresh political storm on Thursday after referring to Somali immigrants as “garbage” during a campaign-style address, prompting widespread condemnation and renewed concern among immigrant communities in Minnesota. The remarks came as reports indicated a significant escalation in federal deportation operations targeting Somali families in Minneapolis, particularly within the district represented by congresswoman Ilhan Omar.
Escalating rhetoric
Trump’s comments were delivered at an event where he criticised immigration policies and claimed that communities with large migrant populations faced “decline”. His description of Somali immigrants as “garbage” drew immediate backlash from civil rights groups, Democratic lawmakers, and members of Minnesota’s sizeable Somali-American population. Critics argued that the language risked inciting hostility and deepening social divisions, particularly in areas where migrant communities already feel vulnerable.
Heightened enforcement in Minnesota
The remarks coincided with new reports of intensified deportation activity in Minneapolis and surrounding suburbs. Local organisations and legal-aid groups stated that several families had been subjected to late-night enforcement actions, with detentions reportedly increasing in recent weeks. These developments have raised questions about whether federal agencies are focusing specifically on Ilhan Omar’s district, a constituency with one of the largest Somali diasporas in the US.
Political reaction
Ilhan Omar strongly condemned the president’s rhetoric, calling it an “attack on American families who contribute to our communities every day”. Several Democratic leaders argued that the president’s words risked legitimising discriminatory enforcement practices. Republican officials remained largely silent, though a handful of party members distanced themselves from the most inflammatory aspects of the remarks.
Community concerns
Minnesota’s Somali community, many of whom fled civil conflict and humanitarian crises before settling in the US, expressed fear that the combination of hostile rhetoric and stepped-up federal operations could lead to further marginalisation. Local leaders encouraged residents to remain calm while seeking legal assistance, noting that uncertainty around immigration procedures has created significant distress among families with mixed legal status.
Newshub Editorial in North America – 4 December 2025
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