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Emmer Defends Fraud Claims Amid Somali Community Backlash

12/22/2025

Summary

Story summary

U.S. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer criticized leaders warning against generalizing the Minnesota Somali population amid a fraud investigation.
Emmer said acknowledging fraud is not racist and that over 90% charged are Somali.
Immigrant rights advocates and leaders, including Gov. Tim Walz, urged against blaming the entire Somali community.
The fraud scheme drew attention after U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to terminate temporary protected status for Somalis in Minnesota.

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Story summary

U.S. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer criticized leaders warning against generalizing the Minnesota Somali population amid a fraud investigation.
Emmer said acknowledging fraud is not racist and that over 90% charged are Somali.
Immigrant rights advocates and leaders, including Gov. Tim Walz, urged against blaming the entire Somali community.
The fraud scheme drew attention after U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to terminate temporary protected status for Somalis in Minnesota.