Trump renews immigration war, says Somalis not wanted in US

U.S. President Donald Trump has said that Somali immigrants do not contribute to America and depend too much on government assistance.

Speaking at the White House during his ninth cabinet meeting of 2025, Trump claimed that Somalis “contribute nothing” while benefiting heavily from welfare.

He added that he does not want them in the U.S., insisting that Somalia is “a failed country.”

Trump also said many Somalis do not work or help to improve the United States, accusing them of complaining and causing problems. He described Somalia as a place where “people run around killing each other.”

He attacked U.S. Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, who represents Minnesota’s 5th District and is originally from Somalia, calling her “a terrible person” and describing her and other Somali immigrants as “garbage.” He urged them to leave the country.

The former president also criticised Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, accusing him of incompetence and linking him to a scandal in which several people allegedly created fake companies that defrauded the state of millions of dollars.

Congresswoman Omar responded on X, saying Trump’s constant attacks on her were “creepy” and suggesting he needed help.

Meanwhile, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is preparing a major operation in Minneapolis and St. Paul—Minnesota’s two biggest cities. There is speculation that the Somali community will be the main focus, but the Department of Homeland Security denied this.

Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said ICE targets people based on their immigration status, not their race or ethnicity.