Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) argued that deporting Somali immigrants accused of involvement in Minnesota’s massive welfare fraud schemes would damage the American economy and “undermine core national values.”
Jayapal made the remarks during an appearance on MS NOW’s “Ana Cabrera Reports,” where she criticized the Trump administration’s response to revelations that Somali migrants allegedly orchestrated more than $1 billion in fraud across multiple Minnesota aid programs—some of which reportedly funneled money to the terrorist organization Al-Shabaab.
The revelations have prompted U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to increase operations in the Minneapolis metro area, specifically targeting Somalis suspected of immigration violations linked to the schemes. President Donald Trump called the perpetrators “garbage” and vowed to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somalis living in Minneapolis, saying the city’s refugee influx had “destroyed our country.”
Jayapal, whose district includes one of the largest Somali-American communities in the nation, condemned Trump’s rhetoric and ICE’s enforcement surge.
“It’s all lies,” Jayapal said. “Calling people garbage, calling them leeches … all the ways in which he’s dehumanizing immigrants—that is the goal of this administration.”
She argued that despite the fraud allegations, immigrants broadly strengthen the country.
“Immigrants from all over the world … have built this country and make this country what it is today,” Jayapal said. “Americans are not accepting this.”
Jayapal Says Fear Is Driving Somali Residents Into Hiding
Jayapal claimed the administration’s actions have terrified Somali residents—even those not accused of wrongdoing—leading some to avoid medical appointments, workplaces, and schools.
“People are not getting their dialysis treatments, not going to work, not showing up for their children,” Jayapal said. “That is outrageous … and outside any kind of norm.”
Fraud Whistleblowers Say Gov. Walz Ignored Warnings
Her comments come amid deepening scrutiny of Minnesota’s leadership. On Sunday, nearly 500 employees in the state’s Department of Human Services accused Democratic Gov. Tim Walz of “systematically” retaliating against whistleblowers who tried to warn the state about rampant fraud in Somali-run nonprofit and aid programs.
Federal prosecutors are now pursuing multiple cases, including the infamous “Feeding Our Future” scandal, where hundreds of millions in taxpayer funds were stolen. Walz acknowledged earlier this week that Minnesota “attracts criminals,” but urged the public not to demonize Somali residents.
Jayapal: Deportations Will “Hurt the Economy”
Jayapal insisted that broad deportation efforts would inflict long-term economic damage by removing workers from essential industries.
“It’s going to hurt us,” she said. “It’s going to hurt our economy for sure, and it hurts our democracy and who we are as a country.”
The Department of Justice, Treasury Department, and ICE continue to investigate the full scope of the Minnesota fraud networks. The Trump administration has signaled that more enforcement actions are in the works.
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She is right. Empty their bank accounts, put them in jail for 20 years and then deport them.
NO,just empty their accounts then send them back,never to return.Do the same with her.