Somali-Americans carry proof of citizenship during ICE raids

“I used to feel proud carrying my passport, but now I'm carrying my passport and there's a lot of darkness around it, because now I'm like, 'I just want my kids to get home safely.'” We're in Minneapolis, days after the Trump administration directed ICE to begin targeting and arresting undocumented Somali immigrants in the city. “Somali people, let's get out of here. They destroyed our country. If we keep bringing trash into our country, we're going in the wrong direction.” “Somali people are not trash. When I first heard that word, it broke my heart, because I know I'm not trash, not for myself.” Munira Malimisak runs a primary care clinic in Minneapolis. “I think when you hear something like that from the president of the United States, you feel like you absolutely don't belong.'' Minnesota is home to about 80,000 Somalis, many of whom were born here or have lived here for decades. More than 85 percent of Somalis here are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, but they remain concerned about the possibility of being unfairly arrested. “People carry passports as well as IDs. No one takes out their passports unless they're traveling abroad. But now I'm carrying my passport, right?” This local Somali shopping center, usually crowded on a Thursday afternoon, was almost deserted today. “Americans like me have to think, 'Okay, I can't leave the country without the proper documentation,' and a lot of people do. My whole life I've been in public service. I served six years in the Army National Guard and was the first person of color, the first American “When the president makes such vile, racist comments, it feels like this country has lost some of its cherished American values.” ” Back at the clinic, Munira says that fear is also affecting her patients. “We've heard that ICE is near here, so we don't have anyone today. People are choosing to stay home.” The Department of Homeland Security announced that ICE has arrested at least 19 people in Minneapolis since the investigation began, including at least eight Somalis accused of serious crimes. It is unclear whether more attacks will come. But for now, Munira's biggest concern is how the president's words will affect her children. “As a mother, not just a mother, but as a Somali mother, these are scary times. I'm worried about my sons. I'm worried that their teachers won't give them the attention they deserve. My daughter, I'm worried about her. How can I fit in a little more? It's hard to tell a child to hide his identity, right? I hope they know that these words touch the hearts of real people, real people who love this country.”