The Council on American-Islamic Relations Minnesota (CAIR-MN), the state’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned legislation introduced by Congressman Pete Stauber titled the “Stop Fraud by SOMALIA Act,” calling the bill’s name and framing discriminatory and deeply irresponsible.
The legislation and accompanying statement were published by Rep. Stauber’s office on March 12. In the official announcement, the congressman claimed the proposal was necessary due to alleged fraud “primarily perpetrated by Somali fraudsters.” The full press release from Rep. Stauber’s office can be viewed here.
The announcement has also circulated widely on social media. A post on X (formerly Twitter) promoting the legislation repeated the same language targeting Somali Minnesotans and included imagery associated with the bill. The post stated, “We need more Islamophobia, not less,”
CAIR-MN said the rhetoric used in both the press release and accompanying social media promotion singles out an entire nationality and contributes to harmful stereotyping.
“You cannot name a federal bill after a nationality or ethnic group and claim it is about accountability,” said Suleiman Adan, Deputy Executive Director of CAIR-Minnesota. “Fraud is a crime committed by individuals, not by entire communities. Public policy should be grounded in evidence and due process, not collective blame.”
Minnesota is home to one of the largest Somali communities in the United States. Somali Minnesotans are educators, healthcare workers, entrepreneurs, public servants, students, and parents who contribute to the economic and civic life of the state.
“Fraud must always be investigated and prosecuted wherever it occurs,” said Jaylani Hussein, Executive Director of CAIR-Minnesota. “But naming federal legislation after a nationality is discriminatory and unacceptable. You cannot hold individuals accountable by stigmatizing an entire community.”
CAIR-MN also warned that the legislation reflects a broader pattern of rhetoric from political leaders in Washington that increasingly singles out Somali and Muslim communities in Minnesota.
“This bill does not exist in a vacuum,” Hussein said. “Over the past year we have seen a troubling pattern of political narratives from Washington that portray Somali Minnesotans as inherently suspect. That approach is harmful, inaccurate, and dangerous.”
CAIR-MN noted that inflammatory rhetoric by public officials can have real consequences for community safety.
“History has shown that when elected officials stigmatize communities, it fuels harassment and threats against those communities,” Adan added. “Minnesota’s Somali families should not have to worry about being collectively blamed because of the alleged actions of a few individuals.”
CAIR-MN urged members of Congress to reject discriminatory framing and instead pursue policies that strengthen oversight of public programs while respecting the dignity and civil rights of all Americans. “No member of Congress would introduce legislation titled the ‘Stop Fraud by Norwegians Act’ or the ‘Stop Fraud by Germans Act,’” Hussein said. “Targeting Somalis in the title of federal legislation is discriminatory and unacceptable.”
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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CONTACTS:
Suleiman Adan
Deputy Executive Director
Council on American-Islamic Relations – Minnesota (CAIR-MN)
sadan@cair.com
612-408-7183
Jaylani Hussein
Executive Director
Council on American-Islamic Relations – Minnesota (CAIR-MN)
(612) 406-0070