The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN) today called on members of Congress to publicly rebuke U.S. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN) for racist and xenophobic remarks targeting Somali Americans.
Speaking at a Faith & Freedom Coalition event in Washington, D.C., Rep. Emmer claimed that Somali immigrants “don’t assimilate” and said those who do not assimilate “should go the hell back to where they came from.” He also declared that he was “done being careful” about being called “a racist” or “an Islamophobe.” His remarks have been widely condemned by elected officials and civil rights advocates.
Video: CAIR-MN Responds to House Majority Whip Tom Emmer’s Racist Anti-Somali Comments
SEE: Rep. Tom Emmer draws criticism for remarks about Somali Minnesotans – kare11.com
“Representative Emmer’s comments are beneath the dignity of his office and unworthy of a congressional leader,” said CAIR-MN Executive Director Jaylani Hussein. “Telling Somali Americans to ‘go back where they came from’ is a classic racist attack that has been directed at generations of immigrants and communities of color, echoing the same nativist rhetoric historically promoted by the Ku Klux Klan against immigrants. This rhetoric is both un-Minnesotan and un-American. Members of Congress should reject this hateful rhetoric and make clear that Somali Americans are valued members of our state and our nation.”
Hussein added that CAIR-MN is urging congressional leaders from both parties to condemn Emmer’s remarks and reaffirm that racism and anti-immigrant bigotry have no place in the United States Congress.
He said CAIR has repeatedly condemned hate rhetoric and actions by public officials targeting Somali Americans.
Washington, D.C., based CAIR’s latest civil rights report documented 8,683 anti-Muslim bias complaints in 2025 – the highest number ever recorded by the organization since it began publishing civil rights reports in 1996.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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MEDIA CONTACTS:
Suleiman Adan
Deputy Executive Director, CAIR-MN
612-408-7183
Jaylani Hussein
Executive Director
612-406-0070