As President Trump continues his aggressive policies against immigration, one community in Minneapolis is standing up and fighting back. The Somali community, who have faced discrimination and marginalization, are now leading the charge in resisting the administration’s harmful tactics.
In the face of Trump’s immigration crackdown, Somalis in Minneapolis have taken up various forms of resistance. From providing homemade sambusas to protesters, to organizing foot patrols to lookout for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), they are using their culture and community strength to counter the administration’s oppressive tactics.
The Somali community in Minneapolis has a long history of resilience and resistance. Many Somalis fled their war-torn country in the early 1990s and found refuge in this Midwestern city. Over the years, they have built a strong community, with their own businesses, mosques, and cultural centers. However, their presence has not always been welcomed by others in the city.
In recent years, the Somali community has faced increased scrutiny and discrimination, particularly in the wake of Trump’s anti-immigrant rhetoric and policies. The administration’s attempts to impose a travel ban on several Muslim-majority countries, including Somalia, and its harsh immigration policies have directly affected the community.
But instead of cowering in fear, the Somali community in Minneapolis has chosen to fight back. In the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder at the hands of Minneapolis police, the community has joined the Black Lives Matter protests, offering support in any way they can.
One unique way that the Somali community has contributed to the protests is through their delicious homemade sambusas. These triangular pastries filled with meat or vegetables have become a staple for protesters who are out on the streets for long hours. The sambusas are a comforting and nourishing treat for the activists, and they also serve as a symbol of the Somali community’s solidarity with the movement.
But the resistance goes beyond providing food for protesters. The Somali community has also organized foot patrols to lookout for ICE agents in their neighborhoods. These patrols, often made up of young men and women, have been taking shifts to keep a watchful eye for any suspicious activity from the immigration authorities. The volunteers have been trained to document and report any ICE raids, and they have successfully prevented several detentions by alerting their community members.
In addition to their grassroots efforts, the Somali community is also using the legal system to challenge the administration’s policies. Several community organizations have filed lawsuits against the travel ban and have joined forces with other groups to advocate for immigrant rights.
Their efforts have not gone unnoticed. In June, a federal judge granted a temporary restraining order preventing the Minneapolis Police Department from arresting and using force against journalists and protesters. This came after a lawsuit was filed by a coalition that included Somali community organizations.
The Somali community’s resilience and determination in the face of adversity are truly inspiring. They are not only standing up for themselves but also for other marginalized communities. As one protester, Amina Mohamed, said, “We have to stand together. It’s bigger than just us.”
The community’s efforts have also garnered support from other communities in Minneapolis, strengthening their bond and creating a unified front against injustice. The Somali community’s participation in the Black Lives Matter movement has showcased their commitment to justice and equality for all.
Their resistance is a reminder that even in the face of oppression, there is strength in unity and community. The Somali community in Minneapolis is a shining example of how marginalized communities can come together and fight back against systemic injustices.
As the fight against Trump’s harmful policies continues, it is crucial to uplift and support the voices of those most affected. The Somali community in Minneapolis serves as a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration for all those who are standing up against injustice. Their homemade sambusas and foot patrols may seem small, but their impact is significant in the larger fight for justice and equality. Let us all stand with them and join the resistance.
