WASHINGTON — The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN) has condemned remarks made by Republican Congressman Tom Emmer about Somali immigrants in the United States, describing them as discriminatory and inflammatory.
Emmer, speaking at a Faith & Freedom Coalition event in Washington, reportedly said that some Somali immigrants had failed to integrate into American society and suggested that those who do not integrate should “return to where they came from.” He also stated that he was no longer concerned about being labeled “racist” or “anti-Islam.”
CAIR-MN Executive Director Jaylani Hussein said the comments were unacceptable and accused the congressman of using rhetoric that has historically been directed at immigrant and minority communities. He said such statements risk deepening divisions and normalizing hostility toward Somali Americans and Muslims in the United States.
The organization called on leaders from both the Republican and Democratic parties in Congress to publicly reject the remarks, stressing that hate speech and discrimination have no place in American political discourse.
CAIR-MN also highlighted its continued efforts to challenge what it describes as rising incidents of anti-Somali and anti-Muslim rhetoric across the United States, particularly in political debates on immigration and national identity.
The Somali-American community, especially in Minnesota, is one of the largest Somali diaspora populations in the country and has played a significant role in local politics, business, healthcare, and public services.
The controversy adds to ongoing national tensions over immigration policy and integration, an issue expected to remain central in the U.S. political landscape ahead of upcoming elections.
