As a proud daughter of Nigerian immigrants, the dangerous and dehumanizing rhetoric coming from the White House is causing significant grief and fear within many immigrant communities in Minnesota. This is especially true for our Somali community. But we know that we will continue to protect our own communities when the attacks come from the federal government.
The rhetoric the President continues to use—targeting Somali Americans and our immigrant communities with racist and xenophobic remarks—is deeply troubling, and unfortunately not surprising. Our Somali communities are integral to our state: they are our friends, family, and neighbors. They contribute to Minnesota’s culture and economy, but above all they are human beings that deserve to be treated as human.
I recently appeared on NewsNation, where I defended our Somali community and corrected the record on fraud prevention and what Minnesota is doing to hold people who commit fraud accountable. You can watch the clip here.
Instead of making life more affordable for Americans, the Trump Administration continues to sow fear, chaos, and cruelty. Trump's failed policies and manufactured crisis is what's harming Americans – not immigrants. We will not let him scapegoat our hardworking immigrant and refugee communities. Every Minnesotan, no matter their background, deserves to live a life of dignity, respect, and free of persecution. I was proud to join the Minneapolis House Delegation in releasing a statement strongly condemning Trump's hateful rhetoric targeting Somali Minnesotans and the harmful act of bringing ICE into our communities. Please read below:
Our communities must meet Trump’s lies and chaos with real facts and tangible actions. Our dedicated community advocates and organizations are working tirelessly to build a strong defense against federal agents working to terrorize our neighborhoods and kidnap our neighbors. Every person in America has constitutional rights, and it’s important now more than ever to know them and exercise them appropriately.
Here are some local resources being offered in our Twin Cities communities.
Know Your Rights: Upcoming Trainings
 My colleagues in the Senate DFL have put together a powerful and practical immigration resource toolkit. Please share within loved ones, friends, and those who you think may benefit from the information. The Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota is also providing legal support to Minnesotans who are detained by ICE.
Minnesotans love our neighbors and we protect one another. Our state's rich cultural diversity makes us stronger, and immigrants are an essential fabric of our identity, who we are, and the values that bond us.
My commitment is unwavering, and as your state representative I will continue to show up for our communities when they are targeted and under attack.
During these uncertain times, we cannot allow fear and division to overwhelm what we know is right and just. DFLers stand in solidarity with every immigrant community in Minnesota and with all Minnesotans who are fighting to protect our neighbors and defend their constitutional rights.
Please continue to reach out to my office for information and tools you need to help protect yourself and our neighbors.
Representative Esther Agbaje (59B)
Minnesota House of Representatives
Legislative Assistant: Nhia Chang
[email protected]
Due to technological limitations, this mailbox is not monitored. To reach Rep. Esther Agbaje directly, please email [email protected]
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