Republican state senator to Trump: Somalis are ‘woven into Minnesota’s fabric’
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State Sen. Jim Abeler, R-Anoka, sent a letter to President Donald Trump this week defending Somalis, following Trump’s disparaging remarks against them and reports of a targeted immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota.
Trump on Tuesday made xenophobic remarks about Somali immigrants, calling them “garbage” and saying “they’ve destroyed our country.”
Reports this week suggested a planned immigration enforcement operation would focus on Somali immigrants in Minnesota. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirmed a Minneapolis-focused operation, which it calls “Operation Metro Surge,” on Thursday.
While Minnesota’s most prominent DFL politicians sharply criticized Trump’s statements, Republican lawmakers at a budget event on Thursday gingerly fielded questions about Trump’s comments.
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In contrast, Abeler wrote a letter inviting Trump to join him in meeting with the Somali community, to understand how Somalis are “woven into Minnesota’s fabric.”
“When I heard your comments about Somali men and women being ‘garbage,’ I was surprised,” wrote Abeler. “The Somalis I know, and I know many, are nothing of the sort. They are businesspeople, drivers, hourly workers supporting their families, investors, nurses, students, and clerics — just like how my ancestors turned out.”
State Sen. Omar Fateh, DFL-Minneapolis, posted the letter on Facebook on Friday and thanked Abeler.
Abeler told MPR News his decision to write the letter was rooted in his faith in God and appreciation for humanity.
He said he tries to live by the words of a pastor at his former church, who said it’s never wrong or too late to do the right thing.
“And then whatever comes of it, comes of it,” said Abeler. “My only hesitation was in trying to do something that would be positive and productive.”
Abeler said he didn’t plan to share the letter publicly, but he’s honored by the outpouring of support.
“I didn't want this to be about me. I wanted it to be about some kind of a return to respect and standing up for something that was simply not true and hurtful.”
He said someone translated the letter into Somali. Since the letter was posted online, Abeler said he’s seen more followers and friend requests on social media, including from people in Kenya and Somalia.
“I’m just simply a state senator with a very small bully pulpit, but it grieves me to see the way that the political discourse has gone in the country, both on the right and the left,” said Abeler.
“The people, as I’ve made all my rounds around the state, they want us to work together and get something done. And to make our state and our country and our counties run reasonably well, and, as it were, make the trains run on time.”
