In a small gathering room in St. Cloud, the voices of Minnesota’s Somali leaders carried a deep sense of urgency. More than 35 religious leaders and scholars had come together to officially endorse the Harris-Walz ticket, expressing their profound fears about what a second Donald Trump presidency could mean for the Muslim community in America. Their message was clear: the stakes are higher than ever for Somali-Americans, whose civil rights and very sense of security are on the line.
The endorsement was not merely a political gesture—it was a rallying cry for a community that had already endured the brunt of Trump’s policies. Under his administration, the controversial Muslim travel ban disproportionately affected Somali nationals, separating families and casting a shadow of fear over an already vulnerable immigrant population. Many in Minnesota’s Somali community, the largest in the United States, fear that a Trump return to office could reignite this marginalization and deepen the Islamophobia that has been steadily rising in the country.
“We cannot sit idly by while Trump threatens our communities both here and abroad,” declared Imam Mohamed Mukhtar, his voice carrying the weight of the coalition’s collective concern. “His policies—from the travel ban to Project 2025—are designed to divide and spread hatred.” The mention of Project 2025, a policy initiative that some fear could strip protections from minority communities, sent a ripple of unease through the room.
For many in Minnesota’s Somali-American community, the memories of Trump’s first term are still raw. The travel ban was more than just a political decision; it was a moment that redefined the relationship between the U.S. government and Muslim immigrants. Families were torn apart, travel became a nightmare, and the message was unmistakable—Muslims, particularly from countries like Somalia, were unwelcome. Now, with the 2024 election looming, the fear is that these policies could return, more entrenched and more damaging than before.
Yet, the endorsement of the Harris-Walz ticket does not come without its complexities. The Somali leaders voiced their disapproval of certain U.S. foreign policies, particularly regarding the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. They called for an immediate ceasefire and urged the international community to recognize Palestinian self-determination. These are deeply personal issues for many Somali-Americans, who feel a connection to the broader struggles of Muslims around the world.
Still, when faced with the immediate threat to their rights and safety within the U.S., the leaders have made it clear that Trump’s domestic policies pose a far greater danger. Their message was pragmatic: while they disagree with some of the Democratic Party’s foreign policies, the need to protect Muslim Americans from further harm at home must come first.
“We need to focus on the issues that are impacting us here, now,” one leader said, echoing the sentiments of many. “Our community cannot afford another four years of policies that target us simply for being who we are.”
The endorsement reflects not only the fear of what Trump’s return could mean but also the political awakening of Minnesota’s Somali-American community. Once a marginalized group with limited political clout, they have become a key voting bloc in the state, especially in local elections. The rise of figures like Congresswoman Ilhan Omar and State Representative Hodan Hassan has galvanized Somali voters, who now see their participation in U.S. politics as essential to safeguarding their rights.
Earlier this year, the visit of Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre to Minnesota underscored the state’s growing importance to the Somali diaspora. During his visit, Barre met with Governor Tim Walz to discuss deepening trade relations, exploring clean energy investments, and enhancing cooperation between Minnesota and Somalia. It was a moment that highlighted the community’s global connections and the potential for stronger ties between the state and the Horn of Africa.
But as the Somali leaders in Minnesota make their voices heard, their focus remains on the present dangers posed by rising Islamophobia and xenophobia in the U.S. Their endorsement of Harris-Walz is not just about policy—it’s about survival. They see this election as a turning point for their community and for Muslim Americans at large.
The coming months will reveal whether Minnesota’s Somali voters can tip the scales in this crucial election. But for now, their message is clear: unity against Trump’s policies is the only way to protect their future in a country that still feels precarious for so many.
