Minnesota is in national news due to President Donald Trump’s recent targeting of the state’s Somali population.

In a cabinet meeting this week, the president made xenophobic and racist comments about Somali people. MPR News is also following reports that the White House is sending federal agents to the Twin Cities to arrest Somali immigrants who have final deportation orders.

All of this has spread fear among Somali Minnesotans, most of whom are U.S. citizens or green card holders.

Salman Fiqy, who is Somali, threw his energy into campaigning for Republican candidates in his Somali community in the south Twin Cities metro during the 2024 election. This was after he had ended an unsuccessful campaign for a Republican house seat.

Results from the 2024 presidential election showed Democrats lost support in Minneapolis neighborhoods with high numbers of Somali voters. A survey from that time also showed growing support for the Republican party.

Since President Donald Trump’s recent xenophobic comments, Fiqy has shared that he can no longer support the party. Salman Fiqy spoke with host Nina Moini more about his decision.