The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN) today said recent comments made by Rep. Tom Emmer on Fox News, which unfairly targeted Minnesota’s Somali-American community and perpetuated harmful stereotypes “fuel division, fear, and Islamophobia.”
WATCH: Video of Rep. Emmer’s Comments
In a statement, CAIR-MN Executive Director Jaylani Hussein said:
“Rep. Emmer’s comments are not only factually incorrect but also harmful, unfairly targeting Minnesota’s Somali American community. Our Somali neighbors are an integral part of this state – raising families, creating jobs, and contributing to every sector of our economy. Instead of addressing the root causes of violence that affect all Minnesotans, Rep. Emmer chose to scapegoat an entire community. This rhetoric is especially dangerous at a time when Minnesota’s Somali community has endured over 15 separate incidents targeting their mosques in 2024 alone – the highest number of mosque attacks in the nation. Such comments only fuel division, fear, and Islamophobia, when what we need are real solutions and leaders who bring people together.”
Hussein noted that earlier this year, CAIR’s national office released its 2024 civil rights report, which revealed the highest number of complaints it has ever received in its 30-year history. Titled “Fatal: The Resurgence of Anti-Muslim Hate,” the report documented 8,061 complaints.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: Jaylani Hussein, Executive Director of CAIR-MN, 612-406-0070, jhussein@cair.com; Suleiman Adan, Deputy Director of CAIR-MN, 612-408-7183, sadan@cair.com