Recent remarks by Donald Trump—suggesting that Somalis in Minnesota are engaged in widespread fraud—have once again placed an already vulnerable community in the crosshairs of public hostility. Such sweeping claims, made without evidence, do not simply spark online debate. They deepen mistrust, fuel prejudice, and endanger the safety of an entire community that has long faced discrimination in the United States.
For years, Somali Americans—particularly those in Minnesota—have been accused by fringe groups of “failing to assimilate,” of bringing their culture to America, and even of “taking over.” These narratives, rooted not in fact but in fear, serve one purpose: to portray an entire ethnic group as a threat. And history shows that once such narratives spread, insecurity and violence often follow.
If wrongdoing has occurred, it should be addressed through the appropriate legal channels. Law enforcement agencies in the United States are fully capable of investigating and prosecuting individuals who break the law. Those found guilty should be held accountable—as individuals. But to label an entire community as fraudulent because of the actions of a few is neither logical nor just.
We do not blame all white Americans for mass shootings committed by white perpetrators. We do not collectively condemn Christians when someone who shares their faith commits a crime. Yet Somali Americans—most of whom are hardworking, law-abiding, and deeply committed to their communities—are often denied this basic fairness.
The Somali diaspora in the United States is a story of resilience and achievement. Many Somali Americans are highly educated, entrepreneurial, and civically engaged. Their success, in Minnesota and elsewhere, is visible—from business to academia, from public service to technology. It is no surprise that some may feel threatened by this progress. But progress is not a crime.
Somali Americans, like all citizens and residents of the United States, enjoy rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. They will continue to exercise those rights, contribute to society, and pursue opportunities without fear or apology. Their success does not diminish others—it enriches the nation.
In a time when political rhetoric increasingly targets vulnerable groups, it is critical to distinguish fact from prejudice. The future of social cohesion in America depends on it.
