Full Breakdown
Tom Emmer Calls for Somali Immigrants to Return to Their Countries of Origin
6/27/2026, 1:06:26 AM
Core Event: Remarks at Faith and Freedom Coalition Gathering
At a Faith and Freedom Coalition event in Minnesota, Republican Congressman Tom Emmer addressed the audience. He said immigrants must “be an American” and that those who “don’t assimilate” should “go the hell back to where they came from.” Emmer specifically singled out Somali immigrants, stating they “don’t assimilate,” while also mentioning Italian and Polish groups. Emmer delivered the remarks to applause from the audience and again to applause from the right-wing crowd, emphasizing his frustration with what he described as a lack of caution.
Key Figures & Groups: Congressman Tom Emmer and Minnesota’s Somali-American Community
Tom Emmer, a Republican member of the U.S. House representing Minnesota, delivered the comments. The Somali-American community in Minnesota numbers about 108,000, with roughly half born outside the United States and the majority holding citizenship or legal residency.
Official Statements & Responses: Emmer’s Position on Assimilation
Emmer framed assimilation as a prerequisite for remaining in the United States. He argued that cultural celebration is acceptable only when paired with an “American” identity and warned that individuals who fail to adopt that identity should leave. He also suggested that criticism of his remarks stems from a fear of being labeled “racist” or “Islamophobe.” He further asserted that criticism is driven by a fear of such labels.
Criticism & Opposition: Targeted Language and Claims of Fear
Commentary accompanying the event notes that Emmer’s language specifically targets Somali immigrants while exempting other groups such as Italians and Poles. The commentary also points out that Emmer does not tell Italian or Polish immigrants to return, indicating a selective focus on Somali newcomers. Emmer further claimed that some Minnesotans are afraid of being called racist or Islamophobic for opposing his statements.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I am done being careful, even the least bit.” — Tom Emmer, Congressman
- “We celebrate everyone’s culture. We’re happy with that—as long as you are an American. Celebrate your culture, I don’t care, Italian, Polish—you know, Somali, OK? But they don’t assimilate. And if they don’t assimilate, then they should go the hell back to where they came from,” — Tom Emmer
- “We celebrate everyone’s culture. We’re happy with that—as long as you are an American. Celebrate your culture, I don’t care, Italian, Polish—you know, Somali, OK? But they don’t assimilate. And if they don’t assimilate, then they should go the hell back to where they came from,” — Tom Emmer
- “Tom Emmer: "Minnesotans are so afraid that you're gonna call us a racist, you're gonna call us an Islamophobe.” — Tom Emmer
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The source provides Emmer’s statements and demographic data but does not include reactions from Somali-American leaders, other Minnesota officials, or independent observers. No alternative figures on the size of the Somali community or on assimilation outcomes are presented, leaving those aspects unverified within the available material.
