The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN) today called on local, state, and federal law enforcement authorities to investigate possible civil rights violations in a disturbing hate incident in which Somali home shoppers were allegedly subjected to racist and anti-immigrant harassment by local residents.
The incident, captured on video and widely circulated on social media, has sparked outrage across Minnesota. According to news reports, the home shoppers was told, “Nobody wants you here, not a single person here wants you. I can smell you from here, where’d you get your money for the house? All you do is steal,” while driving through a neighborhood to view homes.
CAIR-MN is urging authorities to determine whether the incident constitutes a hate crime or violation of civil rights laws and to take appropriate action if evidence supports such charges.
In a statement, CAIR-MN Executive Director Jaylani Hussein said:
“No family seeking a new home should be subjected to intimidation, harassment, or discrimination simply because of their ethnicity, faith, or perceived national origin. The comments captured on video are deeply disturbing and reflect the harmful stereotypes and anti-Somali rhetoric that have become increasingly common in recent months. Every Minnesotan has the right to live, work, and seek housing free from fear and prejudice.
“We urge law enforcement authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and determine whether the Muslim home shoppers’ civil rights were violated. Minnesota’s Somali community has contributed enormously to our state’s social, economic, and cultural life. Attempts to exclude or intimidate Somali families must be unequivocally rejected by public officials and community leaders.”
The incident comes amid growing concerns about anti-Somali and anti-Muslim hostility in Minnesota and nationwide. Community leaders have warned that inflammatory rhetoric and misinformation targeting Somali Americans have contributed to an increase in harassment, threats, and acts of intimidation.
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