Dear Neighbors,  

It has been an incredibly painful and difficult couple of weeks for Minneapolis and our Somali community. The dangerous and dehumanizing rhetoric coming from the White House is causing significant grief and fear, but we know that we will continue to protect our own communities when the attacks come from ICE, the federal government, or even the President. 

The rhetoric the President continues to use—targeting Somali Americans and our immigrant communities with racist and xenophobic remarks—is deeply unacceptable, and unfortunately, not surprising. Somali communities are integral to our state: we are friends, family, and neighbors. We contribute to Minnesota’s culture and economy, but above all, we are human beings who deserve to be treated as human.  

I’m proud of our House People of Color and Indigenous (POCI) Caucus, the Minneapolis House Delegation, and our House DFL Leader Zack Stephenson for all standing together, united to strongly condemn Trump's hateful rhetoric targeting Somali Minnesotans and the harmful act of bringing ICE into our communities. 

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 from persecution. 

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  

• Upstander Legal Observer, Monarca 

• Immigration Raid Rapid Response, MIRAC - Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee 

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.