Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey this week participated in a series of events and public statements addressing reports that the Trump administration was preparing to arrest Somali criminals and individuals in the country unlawfully in the Twin Cities.
The developments came as Frey appeared in widely circulated footage eating traditional Somali food during a visit with community members.
In the video, Frey was shown taking large bites of Ambulo, a traditional Somali dish made from boiled adzuki beans, wheat berries, sugar, and spices.
The images drew attention online as the mayor continued outreach efforts with Somali residents.
Earlier in the week, Minneapolis officials held a press conference in response to reports of pending federal enforcement actions.
The city said, “The City of Minneapolis is closely monitoring credible media reports that the Trump administration will target Somali immigrants in the Twin Cities beginning this week. Mayor Jacob Frey was joined by St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, Ward 6 Council Member Jamal Osman, Police Chief Brian O’Hara and other city leaders to respond to these reports and address community members directly.”
Frey spoke about the Somali community’s role in the city.
“Minneapolis is proud to be home to the largest Somali community in the country,” Frey said.
“They are our neighbors, our friends, and our family – and they are welcome in our city. Nothing Donald Trump does will ever change that.”
The city issued additional statements reiterating its position on cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
“The City of Minneapolis has the most vibrant Somali-American community in the nation. The City is proud of this community and the many achievements of people who have immigrated from Somalia and now call Minneapolis home. The City stands with our immigrant neighbors and we want to reaffirm that the City of Minneapolis does not work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on civil immigration enforcement operations,” the statement said.
Council Member Jamal Osman spoke about his own experience in Minneapolis and the concerns expressed by residents.
“I am proud to say I am a Somali-American. This country welcomed me and my family 26 years ago,” Osman said.
“I know many families are fearful tonight…but I want you to know that the City of Minneapolis stands behind you. Our community has lived through fear in the past. We’re going to stay informed, we’re going to stay safe and we’re going to support each other.”
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara addressed the potential for demonstrations.
“I know how real the fear is in our community. People are going to want to speak out, to protest, and to exercise their First Amendment rights. Those are the rights of everyone in our community, and I want to be clear that we will absolutely defend people’s rights to do just that,” O’Hara said.
O’Hara also urged residents to avoid violence if demonstrations occur.
“I also ask that if demonstrations do happen around any type of immigration raid, that they remain non-violent so that we can keep everyone in our community safe, so that we minimize the risk of any tragedy happening, or the immigrant communities that are already suffering to suffer that much more,” he said.
City officials said they would continue monitoring developments and provide updates as needed.
Locally harvested geese from a public lake along with a dash of a neighbor’s cat is quite tasty……………just add more mayonnaise.
Does this dish help you get really “SKINNY”?
Wait a minute: Was that a racist symbol he flashed with his left hand? Or did that hoax die?
Not seeing the puking. It just looks like a big pile of beans, nothing bizarre about that.
Seems to be more common every day– in New Mogadishu, MN.