Skip to content

Former Peace Corps volunteer defends Somali Americans against Trump’s attacks

One voice stands up for Minnesota’s 60,000-strong Somali population. Why this call to act against political attacks matters now more than ever.

The image shows a group of Somali soldiers walking across a street next to a fence, carrying bags...
The image shows a group of Somali soldiers walking across a street next to a fence, carrying bags and other objects. In the background, there are vehicles, trees, poles, towers, buildings, and a sky with clouds. At the bottom of the image, there is a wall.

Former Peace Corps volunteer defends Somali Americans against Trump’s attacks

A former U.S. Peace Corps volunteer has spoken out against President Donald Trump’s treatment of Somali Americans. The speaker, who lived in Somalia and maintains close ties with Somali communities, condemned broad accusations against the group. They stressed that no community should face collective blame for crime or lack of productivity.

The speaker highlighted the strong Somali presence in Minnesota, home to the largest Somali population in the U.S. Over 60,000 Somalis live in the state, with around 108,000 in the Twin Cities area alone. Many hold citizenship or have American-born children.

Ninety-five percent of Somalis in Minnesota are U.S. citizens, reflecting a broader trend. Nationally, 73% of Somali immigrants have naturalised. The speaker described these figures as proof of the community’s deep integration. Having worked in Somalia, the speaker knows the culture well. They expressed shock at Trump’s remarks, calling them disrespectful. The speaker urged people to take action by contacting lawmakers and joining protests to defend democratic values.

The call to action comes as Somali Americans continue to build lives in the U.S. With high naturalisation rates and long-standing ties to Minnesota, their contributions remain central to local communities. The speaker’s appeal focuses on protecting these families from unfair generalisations and political attacks.

Read also:

Latest