Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) defended the Somali-American community this week after President Donald Trump criticized Somali immigrants and announced plans to end protections for Somalis living in the United States.
Speaking during a public appearance and in follow-up comments on social media, Omar said that Somalis “have always been a fabric of this nation,” insisting that the community is deeply rooted in American life and contributes to the country’s culture and economy.
Her remarks came after Trump pledged to “immediately end” Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somali nationals and suggested that Minnesota has faced rising problems connected to Somali gangs. The announcement drew concern from Somali community leaders, immigrant-rights groups, and local officials in Minnesota.
Omar pushed back, stating that most Somali-Americans are U.S. citizens and fully part of the country’s social and civic landscape. She also emphasized her own identity, saying she is “proud” of being Somali-born and equally proud to be an American citizen.
The exchange marks the latest escalation in a long-running political clash between Trump and Omar, who has frequently been a target of his criticism. Community leaders in Minnesota have urged calm as federal agencies review what changes, if any, will be made to the TPS program.
