Somali Immigrants Bring Alarming Rates of Female Genital Mutilation to Minnesota

FBI investigation reveals widespread practice of FGM, a harmful cultural tradition, in Minneapolis community

Apr. 12, 2026 at 7:57pm

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A heavily textured, fragmented painting of a female figure in motion, repeated in overlapping geometric shapes of deep red, burnt orange, and muted teal, conceptually representing the harmful cultural practice of female genital mutilation.A fractured, abstract painting captures the disturbing prevalence of female genital mutilation among certain immigrant communities in the U.S.Minneapolis Today

A recent meeting with FBI agents in Northern Virginia has revealed that the city of Minneapolis, with its large Somali immigrant population, has become a hotspot for the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) in the United States. FGM, which involves the partial or total removal of external female genitalia, is a harmful cultural tradition that has no health benefits and gravely harms women's health and sexual development. While FGM is federally illegal in the U.S., it remains a hidden and underreported practice, with an estimated 600,000 girls and women at risk nationwide.

Why it matters

The prevalence of FGM in Minnesota illustrates the challenges of complete cultural assimilation, as immigrant communities often maintain practices from their countries of origin that are at odds with American values. This raises concerns about the need for more effective vetting of prospective immigrants to prevent the importation of harmful cultural traditions.

The details

According to experts, FGM is primarily practiced in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, with the highest risk country being Somalia, where 98% of women aged 15-49 have undergone the procedure. In the U.S., it's estimated that roughly 68,000 women live with the most severe form of FGM, known as type three or infibulation, with the largest number in Minnesota. A study by the Hennepin County Medical Center found that type three FGM is observed in 99% of Somali women in Minneapolis.

  • In a recent meeting, FBI agents in Northern Virginia informed the author about their investigation into many cases of female genital mutilation in the U.S.

The players

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

The U.S. federal law enforcement agency that is investigating cases of female genital mutilation, particularly in the Minneapolis area.

Center for Immigration Studies (CIS)

A think tank that has provided expert analysis on the prevalence of FGM in the U.S. and the challenges of cultural assimilation for immigrant communities.

The Heritage Foundation

A conservative think tank that has also provided expert input on the issue of FGM and the need for more effective vetting of prospective immigrants.

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What they’re saying

“FGM is 'likely to persist more than you think because there's a real unwillingness on the part of American authorities, especially in a lefty place like Minnesota, to impose standards, as opposed to: 'Wow, this is just their culture.''”

— Mark Krikorian, Executive Director, Center for Immigration Studies

“'No groups 'assimilate,' so to speak. No groups become clones of the natives,' said Jason Richwine, a resident scholar at CIS and former Trump appointee, told me.”

— Jason Richwine, Resident Scholar, Center for Immigration Studies

“'We could be bombarding people with a changing series of questions. Things like: 'Do you think people who change their religion should be punished?' 'Do you think adult women who disobey their families should be killed?' Immigration lawyers will coach people so that they know what the right answers supposedly are, but most people aren't very good at lying,'”

— Mark Krikorian, Executive Director, Center for Immigration Studies

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.