MINNEAPOLIS — In the bustling Afrik Grocery store in Minneapolis’ Cedar-Riverside neighborhood, Fardousa Yossuf introduces herself as a “storyteller.” Her personal journey began in 1999, fleeing civil war in Somalia and finding a new home in Minneapolis. Over the years, Yossuf has witnessed significant changes in the city, noting its growth and prosperity, largely attributed to the contributions of immigrants. Now 59, she teaches Somali language in local schools and emphasizes the positive impact immigrants have had on the community.
However, the spotlight on her community has intensified following Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris’s selection of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate. Almost immediately after the announcement, false claims circulated on social media, including one suggesting that Walz had designed the state’s new flag to resemble Somalia’s. Former Trump advisor Stephen Miller also fueled these claims, alleging that Harris and Walz planned to “turn the entire Midwest into Mogadishu,” referring to Somalia’s capital. A Fox News article further suggested that Walz’s immigration policies had led to an increase in Somali gangs.
These accusations are part of a broader pattern of targeting Somali immigrants. Former President Donald Trump has consistently criticized Somali immigrants during his campaigns, framing it as part of his broader anti-immigration stance. Despite Trump’s claims that Republicans could win Minnesota due to these sentiments, as they hoped in 2020, his rhetoric has persisted, especially with the new Democratic ticket offering a fresh target.
Yossuf dismissed these attacks as mere “politics” but acknowledged that Trump’s promises, such as mass deportations and reinstating travel bans on majority-Muslim countries, have unsettled Minnesota’s immigrant community. She argues that such rhetoric unfairly maligns immigrants who are legally in the U.S., working hard, and contributing to society. “To demean them and make them out to be nothing, it’s not right,” Yossuf said.
Minnesota is home to at least 44,000 residents born in Somalia and another 29,000 first-generation Somali Americans, according to Minnesota Compass data. Over the decades, Somali migrants have built vibrant cultural and business districts, contributed to local universities, and secured positions in local and national government. Despite facing some resistance and negative sentiment, notably from anti-refugee groups and local police concerns, the majority of Minnesotans have been welcoming.
During a July campaign rally in St. Cloud, Trump criticized Harris for supposedly wanting to “deposit thousands of jihadist sympathizers” in Minnesota, a comment that echoed his longstanding criticism of Somali refugees. Trump promised to reinstate the travel ban and halt refugee admissions if re-elected, drawing from his 2017 executive order targeting Muslim-majority countries, including Somalia.
Trump’s campaign press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, criticized Harris for allegedly allowing “a border invasion of illegal immigrants,” which she claimed harms all Americans, especially minorities in urban areas. Meanwhile, Salman Fiqy, a Republican who recently lost a state House primary, suggested that Republicans could better appeal to Somali voters by adopting a different approach, arguing that current strategies are failing.
In Minneapolis’ Cedar-Riverside neighborhood, known as “Little Mogadishu,” Somali culture thrives. Residents shop at Somali grocery stores, dine in Somali restaurants, and engage in community events. The neighborhood reflects the state’s welcoming stance towards immigrants, supported by policies that include refugee resettlement, drivers licenses, and free college tuition for undocumented immigrants.
Despite criticisms from figures like former Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek, who contends that Walz’s administration has been too lenient on immigration, most Somali residents interviewed had not heard or were not surprised by the negative comments from Trump and other conservative commentators.
Ahmed Ali, a Somali immigrant who moved to Minnesota recently, believes Walz has been a good governor, particularly for his support of school lunch programs. He acknowledges that while local opposition to immigrant policies exists, Trump’s rhetoric is aimed at creating fear and division. “There’s a lot of people who are not open-minded,” Ali said. “Those people may believe what Donald Trump may say.”
Attitudes toward Somali immigrants in Minnesota have fluctuated over time. While some tensions have emerged, including recent controversies involving Somali youth and nonprofit fraud cases, community members like Abdi Ismail Samatar, a University of Minnesota geography professor, argue that the broader Minnesotan population is generally thoughtful and fair.
As the election approaches, Hamse Warfa, a Somali Minnesotan and former state government official, believes that political leaders should focus on unity rather than division. He emphasizes that the Somali community is an integral part of Minnesota and urges voters to recognize their contributions.
Yossuf remains committed to her role as a storyteller, using her voice to advocate for immigrant rights and democratic participation. Reflecting on her experiences, she asserts that the U.S. remains a land of opportunity, where hard work and following the rules can lead to success.