Multiple Minnesota DFL lawmakers — joined by the mayor of Eden Prairie — appeared before a packed mosque of Somali residents earlier this month, delivering emotional — and at times tearful — speeches denouncing federal immigration enforcement and vowing unconditional support.
A video posted on the Somali TV Minnesota Facebook page captioned the footage: “Some elected officials from Minnesota State shed tears at Irshad Islamic Center Eden Prairie Mosque.”
While they wept and expressed outrage over federal immigration enforcement, not a single elected official acknowledged Minnesota’s ongoing fraud crisis concentrated in the Somali community that has resulted in billions of dollars stolen from public programs meant to serve the vulnerable, according to the Somali TV video.
WATCH: Minnesota Democratic Senators shed tears while pandering to Somali crowd at Eden Prairie mosque
"We are heartbroken by the horrible actions of our government … We are 100% committed to helping you. You are welcome here, you belong here, and we are here for you. I… pic.twitter.com/eyEkDq58Vl
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Instead, the meeting focused on condemning the federal government and repeatedly assuring the crowd they would be protected, welcomed and defended.
Tears and promises from the state Senate
State Sen. Ann Johnson Stewart, DFL-Minnetonka, became emotional while addressing the audience, at one point breaking into tears as she pledged unwavering support.
“Whether you are in my Senate district or not, I am here to tell you how much we are in support of every one of you … we are heartbroken by the horrible actions of our government … we are 100% committed to helping you. You are welcome here, you belong here, and we are here for you … we will do all that we can to support you, protect you, and help you as needed,” she said.
Stewart said she was speaking on behalf of her DFL colleagues and encouraged attendees to reach out for assistance.
State Sen. Steve Cwodzinski, DFL-Eden Prairie, also addressed the crowd, frequently shouting as he compared the current political moment — and the struggles facing the Somali community — to the American Revolution.
“I taught American government for 33 years … I don’t know how I would teach this era we’re living in right now if I was still in the classroom teaching,” he said.
“You know, Thomas Paine in 1775 when we were were fighting for our independence and our freedom and he said ‘these are the times that try men’s souls.’ I think we’re going through a similar era like that where as the speaker said earlier today we’re all being tested,” Cwodzinski added, before invoking the Statue of Liberty.
“And the Statue of Liberty, my God, the Statue of Liberty! At the base of it in New York Harbor says ‘Bring me your huddled masses yearning to be free.’ Bring me your huddled masses yearning to be free! That’s what America’s all about. We’re not a nation of we’re all the same, we’re a nation of immigrants, we’re a nation of diversity — that’s our strength, not our weakness.”
Mayor praises Somali community, condemns Trump
Eden Prairie Mayor Ron Case reiterated the senator’s remarks, expressing appreciation for the Somali community while criticizing President Donald Trump.
“I will echo what Sen. Ann Johnson Stewart said of just really underscoring how valued the Somali American community is here in Eden Prairie. You add so much to the fabric of our culture … thank you for choosing Eden Prairie to be here … and I am so sorry for what is happening at the federal level with our very president of the United States to be so rude and really unfortunate for what he has said about such a great group of people,” Case said.
Minnesota has received significant national media attention over the last month due its fraud crisis, much of which has been perpetrated by members of the Somali community.
“Somalians ripped off that state for billions of dollars,” Trump said during a Cabinet meeting earlier this month. “I don’t want them in our country. Their country’s no good for a reason. Their country stinks … We’re going to go the wrong way if we keep taking in garbage into our country. Ilhan Omar is garbage. She’s garbage. Her friends are garbage.”
Lawmaker promotes ICE ‘resistance network’
Rep. Alex Falconer, DFL-Eden Prairie, followed with remarks that went beyond expressions of sympathy, openly discussing organized opposition to federal immigration enforcement.
Before joining the legislature, Falconer said, he was a community organizer — and that work continues.
“I’m helping to lead the community response, rapid response network that we have given any ICE situations … we’ve got a couple of groups on the app Signal that we would love for you to join. Whether or not you want to be part of the resistance network, I fully understand you may not be comfortable with that, but you can help us in a lot of ways by sending an alert that if you see any suspicious vehicles, any traffic, if you know of anybody that is being targeted, that is being detained, we have resources immediately available,” Falconer said.
He pledged to help mobilize resources such as legal aid, food delivery and logistical support. He also said organizers are coordinating assistance if families are afraid to leave their homes and promised help with transportation and basic needs.
“Anything — small, large — we’re here for you and we will stand with you, we will stand for you,” he said. “This is Minnesota. We value you, we love you. You are welcome here.”
Jenna Gloeb
Jenna Gloeb is an Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist, media producer, public speaker, and screenwriter. Most recently, she worked as a reporter and on-air host for CCX Media. Jenna is a Minnesota native and resides in the Twin Cities with her husband, son, daughter, and two dogs.
