Minnesota Governor Vows to Stand With Somali Community Against Trump Attacks

Walz condemns Trump's denigrating rhetoric and vows to get justice for deaths of two American citizens.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 8:24pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D) delivered a forceful speech at the 'No Kings' rally in Minneapolis, vowing to never abandon the state's Somali-American community in the face of attacks from President Donald Trump. Walz condemned Trump's disparaging rhetoric towards Somali immigrants and pledged that the Somali community will outlast the 'Orange clown' in the White House.

Why it matters

Trump's repeated attacks on Minnesota's Somali-American community have stoked tensions and raised concerns about the administration's stance towards immigrant populations. Walz's impassioned defense of the Somali community and his promise to seek justice for two Americans killed by immigration officials underscores the political divide over immigration policy and the treatment of minority groups.

The details

In his speech, Walz praised Minnesota's Somali-Americans as part of the 'fabric of what is good about Minnesota,' and vowed that the community will outlast Trump's presidency. He also demanded justice for Renee Good and Alex Pretti, two American citizens who were killed by immigration officials in Minneapolis. Walz condemned Trump's claim that Somalis in Minnesota had stolen $19 billion as an unproven allegation.

  • On Friday, March 27, 2026, President Trump criticized Minnesota's Somali community and its 'crazy governor' during a White House event.
  • On Saturday, March 28, 2026, Governor Walz delivered his speech at the 'No Kings' rally in Minneapolis.

The players

Tim Walz

The Democratic governor of Minnesota who delivered a speech defending the state's Somali-American community and condemning President Trump's attacks.

Donald Trump

The Republican President of the United States who has repeatedly denigrated Minnesota's Somali-American community and criticized Governor Walz.

Renee Good

An American citizen killed by immigration officials in Minneapolis, whose death Walz vowed to seek justice for.

Alex Pretti

An American citizen killed by immigration officials in Minneapolis, whose death Walz vowed to seek justice for.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I have a message to our immigrant community here in Minnesota. You are seen, heard, valued, and loved. You add value to our state. You are part of the fabric of what is good about Minnesota, and I have to tell you, that is a hell of a lot more than I'll say about anybody in the White House.”

— Tim Walz, Governor of Minnesota

“And I will add a special a special thank you and a special acknowledgment that we will never leave the side of our Somali Minnesotans. Here's our pledge to you, our Somali Minnesotans. Your great-grandchildren will still be here when that Orange clown is in the dustbin of history. You will be here.”

— Tim Walz, Governor of Minnesota

What’s next

Governor Walz has vowed to seek justice for the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, two American citizens killed by immigration officials in Minneapolis. The state will likely pursue further investigations and legal action to hold those responsible accountable.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the deep political divide over immigration policy and the treatment of minority communities in the United States. Governor Walz's impassioned defense of Minnesota's Somali-American population underscores the importance of standing up to discriminatory rhetoric and policies that target immigrant populations.