Democrats across the country are loudly praising and supporting Somali migrants even as growing evidence points to significant anti‑social fraud by some foreign arrivals.
As investigators uncover millions of dollars in fraud and theft in state and federal welfare systems in Ohio, Minnesota, and other states — allegedly committed by Somali migrants — Democratic leaders have poured political capital into demonstrating unwavering support for the community.
In Minnesota, where fraud by alleged fake Somali charities has reached into the tens of billions and new cases emerge nearly every week, Democratic officials have mounted a full court press to defend Somali migrants. Many have sought to explain criminal conduct as rooted in cultural differences rather than personal accountability. “Amoral familism is a [Somali] cultural blueprint,” wrote Ayaan Hirsi Ali, who fled her Somali family to live in Europe. “It assumes that… survival depends on extracting maximum benefit for one’s own family,” regardless of the cost to fellow citizens or the host country.
Democrats in Minneapolis have taken visible steps to show support. Mayor Jacob Frey announced he would sign an ordinance requiring residents to hear the Muslim call to prayer on loudspeakers five times a day. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara publicly apologized to Somali migrants for any upset caused by criminal investigations, even comparing accused Somali criminals to the Christian figures Joseph and Mary. Schools in the city have reportedly flown the Somalian flag in place of the state flag on flagpoles, further signaling official support.
State Democratic officials also held emotional press conferences, with at least one state senator seen shedding tears over what they described as mistreatment of Somali migrants in the United States.
Former Minnesota Congressman and current Attorney General Keith Ellison has explained the political incentives for Democrats to support Somali migration, noting that those who achieve citizenship status are likely to vote for Democratic candidates. Minnesota Governor and former vice presidential nominee Tim Walz echoed this sentiment, asserting it is racist to expect Somali migrants to abandon the behaviors they allegedly brought from their home country.
Outside Minnesota, Democratic leaders elsewhere have echoed similar themes. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu claimed that Boston’s success is due in large part to Somali migrants, even as she has drawn criticism for controversial statements about demographic change. Ohio Senate Democrats issued a statement expressing solidarity with “our Somali neighbors” and decrying “vilification of immigrant communities.” Maine Democrats followed with a similar declaration of support.
Across the country, Democratic leaders continue to publicly champion Somali migrants while critics argue that rising fraud and welfare abuse demand accountability.
