During a visit to a local market, Democratic Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan expressed her admiration for the Somali migrants residing in the state, as captured in a video shared on YouTube.
In November, President Donald Trump declared his intention to terminate the "Temporary Protected Status" for Somalis in Minnesota, citing allegations of welfare fraud and asserting that the refugee influx had "destroyed our country," according to the Daily Caller. Flanagan, donning a hijab, addressed the community with a microphone in hand, as seen in footage posted by Somali TV of Minnesota. "Salam Alaikum. My names Peggy Flanagan. I am the Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota, and Im really honored and humbled to be here with all of you today," she stated. She further emphasized, "I am incredibly clear that the Somali community is part of the fabric of the state of Minnesota."
Flanagan's remarks highlighted her longstanding connection with the Somali community, mentioning her 25-year friendship with a Somali individual named Nimco. "So I want to just encourage the community to know that were with you, weve got your back," she continued. She urged others to support Somali businesses and immigrant neighbors, acknowledging the current climate of fear but reassuring the community of widespread support.
Meanwhile, the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has intensified its operations in the Minneapolis area, targeting illegal Somali immigrants following revelations of at least $1 billion in fraud. Federal officials have since revised the estimated fraud amount to at least $9 billion, with the Treasury Department investigating claims that some funds were funneled to the radical Islamic terrorist group Al-Shabaab. Multiple federal programs were reportedly exploited in the scheme.
In response to the fraud allegations, state employees accused Democratic Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota of "systemic" retaliation against whistleblowers who exposed the fraudulent activities. As the Justice Department prosecutes several federal cases, Walz acknowledged that the state "attracts criminals" but insisted that Somali residents should not be vilified, as he stated during an appearance on NBCs Meet the Press. Flanagan reiterated her commitment to the Somali community, saying, "I will continue to stand with the Somali community, to be with you, and to do all I can to return the friendship and community that the Somali community has shown me."
The situation in Minnesota underscores the complex interplay between immigration policy, community relations, and law enforcement. As the state grapples with the fallout from the fraud scandal, the Somali community remains a focal point of both support and scrutiny. Flanagan's visit and remarks reflect a broader effort to foster unity and resilience amid challenging circumstances.
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