Earlier this week, news broke of a planned escalation of ICE operations targeting our Somali neighbors. Minnesota is home to the largest diaspora of Somalis in the world—the vast majority of them law-abiding American citizens or legal permanent residents. Following days of inflammatory, anti-Somali rhetoric, this action shocks the conscience of our great state.
This latest federal action has nothing to do with public safety and immigration enforcement and everything to do with attacking the strong, multiracial, multifaith Minnesota we have built together through decades of hard work and shared sacrifice.
We’re proud to be a place where anyone—whether they were born here or chose to make their home here—can put down roots and build a better future for their family.
Minnesotans believe in hard work and looking out for each other. We’re proud to be a place where anyone—whether they were born here or chose to make their home here—can put down roots and build a better future for their family. Our modern Minnesota, with its resilient economy and vibrant communities, is the product of our immigrant ancestors and neighbors. The Somali community, currently under threat, exemplifies this story. With unique contributions to healthcare, education, entrepreneurship, the restaurant industry, journalism, state and local politics, and nearly every sector of our workforce, they make Minnesota better and stronger.
When it comes to immigration, Minnesotans expect everyone to follow the rules—both the immigrants who come here እና the government officials entrusted with enforcing those laws. We want a system that keeps our communities safe, follows the rule of law, secures the border, and holds violent criminals accountable. But instead, roving bands of ICE agents are rounding up our neighbors based on their place of birth and what they look like—including those who are citizens, legal residents, and without any criminal history.
Let it be clear: McKnight opposes—in the strongest terms—any action on Minnesota soil that rips families apart, violates our constitutional rights, or uses violence against civilians or law enforcement. Minnesotans won’t buy into the playbook being sold to the nation: Blackness framed as threatening, immigrants as dangerous, Muslims as suspicious.
McKnight opposes—in the strongest terms—any action on Minnesota soil that rips families apart, violates our constitutional rights, or uses violence.
We stand with everyone who is peacefully standing up for our neighbors, our laws, and our shared belief in safety, dignity, and prosperity. Countless nonprofits, mutual aid funds, faith leaders, community organizations, and everyday people are working tirelessly in this moment. Patriotism is not passive. Minnesotans who chose to protest peacefully should be respected in their right to do so.
Now is not the time to stand on the sidelines. We’ve seen what’s happened across the country, and now know Minnesota is not immune. Today, it is our Somali neighbors and have already seen our Latine, Hmong, and Southeast Asian neighbors targeted; tomorrow, it may be others. We will not abandon our community. And we call on leaders—especially those with a platform or power—to stand up for our neighbors, our rights, and the Minnesota we believe in.
