How many Somali refugees currently live in Minnesota, and how does this compare to President Trump's claim?

Minnesota is home to the largest Somali population in the United States, numbering approximately 64,000 to over 86,000 Somali residents according to various recent sources, which is significantly less than the 'hundreds of thousands' figure claimed by President Trump.

What has been Governor Tim Walz's response to President Trump's remarks about Somali refugees in Minnesota?

Governor Tim Walz issued a strong response defending Minnesota and its communities against President Trump's allegations, rejecting the characterization that Somali refugees are overwhelming the state or causing widespread crime.

What are some of the challenges and contributions of the Somali community in Minnesota?

The Somali community in Minnesota faces challenges including poverty, low educational attainment, and language barriers. However, they have made significant contributions through entrepreneurship, political representation—such as Ilhan Omar’s election to Congress—and revitalization of neighborhoods.

Are the claims about Somali gangs terrorizing Minnesota supported by data?

While there have been instances of criminal fraud cases involving some Somali Minnesotans, broad claims that 'Somali gangs are terrorizing' Minnesota are not supported by comprehensive data and have been contested by community leaders and officials.

How significant is the Somali immigrant and refugee population to Minnesota's demographic and economic landscape?

Somali immigrants and refugees constitute the largest such community in Minnesota and contribute significantly to the local economy through high employment rates, entrepreneurship, tax contributions, and cultural revitalization.

3 sources

•

1M ago

Trump's Remarks on Minnesota Governor Walz and Congresswoman Omar Draw Strong Response

President Trump made derogatory remarks about Governor Tim Walz and Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, alleging Somali refugees are overwhelming Minnesota, prompting Walz's response.

L 33%

R 67%

Overview

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

President Trump made derogatory remarks targeting Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Congresswoman Ilhan Omar during a public statement.

Trump specifically claimed that "hundreds of thousands of refugees from Somalia" are overwhelming the state of Minnesota.

He further alleged that "Somali gangs" are "roving the streets" of Minnesota, creating a chaotic environment.

These controversial statements by President Trump quickly sparked a direct and strong response from Governor Tim Walz.

Governor Walz addressed Trump's claims, likely defending Minnesota and its communities against the President's characterizations.

Written using shared reports from

3 sources

Report issue

Analysis

Compare how each side frames the story — including which facts they emphasize or leave out.

Analysis unavailable for this viewpoint.

How we categorize media bias

Sources (3)

Compare how different news outlets are covering this story.

Sort By

Center (0)

No articles found in the Center category

FAQ

Dig deeper on this story with frequently asked questions.

: Minnesota is home to the largest Somali population in the United States, numbering approximately 64,000 to over 86,000 Somali residents according to various recent sources, which is significantly less than the 'hundreds of thousands' figure claimed by President Trump.
Sources:
Minnesota Historical Society
: Governor Tim Walz issued a strong response defending Minnesota and its communities against President Trump's allegations, rejecting the characterization that Somali refugees are overwhelming the state or causing widespread crime.
Sources:
CBS News Minnesota
: The Somali community in Minnesota faces challenges including poverty, low educational attainment, and language barriers. However, they have made significant contributions through entrepreneurship, political representation—such as Ilhan Omar’s election to Congress—and revitalization of neighborhoods.
Sources:
CT Somali
: While there have been instances of criminal fraud cases involving some Somali Minnesotans, broad claims that 'Somali gangs are terrorizing' Minnesota are not supported by comprehensive data and have been contested by community leaders and officials.
Sources:
CBS News Minnesota
: Somali immigrants and refugees constitute the largest such community in Minnesota and contribute significantly to the local economy through high employment rates, entrepreneurship, tax contributions, and cultural revitalization.
Sources:
Minnesota Legislative Reference Library

History

See how this story has evolved over time.

This story does not have any previous versions.