U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar (D–Minn.) issued a stark warning on Thursday, accusing former President Donald Trump of endangering Somali Americans and other immigrant communities through a pattern of inflammatory, anti-immigrant statements that she says has led to a surge in violent threats.

In a new opinion piece, Omar said Trump recently referred to her and several colleagues as “garbage,” adding that the former president has “for years” amplified conspiracy theories, stereotypes, and derogatory narratives about Somali immigrants — many of which have been widely debunked.

She pointed to a 2019 Trump campaign rally, where attendees chanted “send her back” as the then-president targeted her by name. Omar wrote that each time Trump invokes Somali or Muslim immigrants in his speeches or social media posts, threats against her spike immediately, often forcing law enforcement to increase protection.

Omar stressed that Trump’s language is not only endangering her, but also millions of immigrants across the country, especially communities who are Black, Muslim, or refugees. She noted that more than 90% of Somalis in Minnesota are U.S. citizens, contributing meaningfully as doctors, teachers, small business owners, police officers, and elected officials.

“These are families who fled war and instability and rebuilt their lives in the United States,” Omar wrote. “They are working every day to make our country better.”

Civil rights groups say that anti-Somali and anti-Muslim hate speech has intensified nationwide, especially online. Recent FBI data continues to show significant increases in hate crimes targeting African immigrants and Muslims, with several states reporting spikes in threats and harassment aimed at Somali communities.

Trump, who has long criticized refugee resettlement and Muslim immigration, escalated his rhetoric again this week, saying immigrants should “go back to where they came from.” Immigration advocates say such language mirrors statements from the 2016 and 2020 campaigns, during which Trump repeatedly sought to restrict refugee admissions and impose bans on travelers from Muslim-majority nations.

Policy analysts warn that as the 2026 midterm cycle accelerates, anti-immigrant talking points are resurfacing across right-wing platforms, often accompanied by misinformation about Somali Americans and other migrant groups.

Local leaders in Minnesota say they are taking Omar’s warnings seriously. Somali community organizations have reported increases in intimidation, threatening messages, and vandalism near cultural centers. Several groups are now coordinating with local police and federal agencies to ensure community members remain safe.

Advocates argue that political rhetoric has real-world consequences. “When public figures normalize dehumanizing language, it emboldens extremists,” said one Minnesota-based immigrant rights organizer. “It is not just about politics—people’s lives are at stake.”

Omar called on Americans to reject fearmongering and recognize immigrants as an essential part of the nation’s social and economic fabric.

“We cannot allow racism, xenophobia, and Islamophobia to define our politics,” she wrote. “Immigrant communities deserve safety, dignity, and the freedom to live without fear.” (ILKHA)