Roughly 80,000 people of Somali descent now live in Minnesota. The vast majority of them are American citizens.

This week, President Trump attacked Somali immigrants in racist and xenophobic terms. 

“I don't want 'em in our country,” he said at the end of a cabinet meeting. “Their country is no good for a reason. Their country stinks."

The mayors of Minneapolis and St. Paul defended their Somali community – and responded to reports that the Trump administration is targeting that community with extra immigration enforcement.

Minnesota Public Radio’s Matt Sepic has the latest from St. Paul.

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This episode was produced by Vincent Acovino, with audio engineering by Kwesi Lee. It was edited by Patrick Jarenwattananon. Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.

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