On Dec. 2, President Trump made disparaging remarks about Somali immigrants and descendants of Somali immigrants in the United States, calling Representative Ilhan Omar ‘garbage’ and saying all Somali individuals should “go back to where they came from.” These comments come after a string of xenophobic comments Trump has made about immigrants, specifically those from African, Central American and South American countries. Since these comments, the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has started a specialized operation in Minneapolis and surrounding areas designed to target the Somali population. On Dec. 4, individuals suspected of being members of ICE were rumored to have been in neighborhoods near schools in the district. In response, Superintendent Carlondrea Hines sent out an email stating there was no evidence of ICE appearing on school grounds on Dec. 4. Students were escorted to their transportation by staff to ensure their safety. In response to this event, Park Superintendent Hines told the Minnesota Star Tribune, “At no time will ICE or other related law enforcement agents be allowed access to the school beyond the main office area without specific court documents legally requiring us to provide this access.”
The Echo Editorial Board believes the language used by federal officials to describe immigrants is dehumanizing and extremely harmful. The board is of the opinion that disparaging comments like those made by President Trump are not based in fact and only serve to promote hate and unfounded fear of immigrants. The board worries these comments will harm the Somali community in Minnesota because they imply false narratives and inappropriate language. Additionally, the board acknowledges that the use of phrases such as “illegal aliens” towards immigrants is harmful, especially considering it is a generalization, and when referencing Somali individuals, many Somali individuals in Minnesota are citizens and/or entered the country legally and are documented. Furthermore, the Echo Editorial Board is concerned about the general population becoming desensitized to these remarks and treating these hate-provoking words as though they are acceptable and normal. The board is of the opinion that immigrants benefit the community at Park socially and economically, and disagrees with any statement that regards the Somali community as a whole as harmful to Park. The board also recognizes that the anti-immigrant remarks we have heard are primarily targeted at people of color and countries that have a high non-white population. The board is discouraged by the comments President Trump has made towards immigrants because we believe it shows regression and scapegoating of a minority in order to protect the interests of groups in power. Overall, the board is critical of Trump’s insulting remarks towards the Somali community of Minnesota, many of whom have or have family members who came to the United States seeking safety and stability.
As ICE appears in our Minnesotan community, the Echo Editorial Board believes their presence cannot be ignored nor taken lightly, as we see the effects in our own community. The board has noticed ICE has become a topic of conversation among Park students. When students discuss ICE, the board noted the sentiments were usually ones of anxiety and fear, either for themselves or members of the community. Some members of the board observed that when talking to Somali community members, there was a consensus that some were afraid to come to school or even leave their homes because of the threat of ICE, and also felt they could not express themselves freely in conversation or over text. The board recommends that students educate themselves on their rights related to ICE and find ways to show up and support the Somali community.
Members of the Echo Editorial Board observed staff who stepped in to help students when there was concern over if ICE was near school property, and we appreciate this show of support for student safety. However, the board also expressed a desire for more clarity in what the policies surrounding ICE are for the school and would appreciate more communication from the administration. Additionally, while the board is thankful for Park’s communication to parents, we would appreciate more direct communication to students going forward, as this is an issue that directly affects students. Overall, the board believes Park is making positive efforts towards protecting students and communicating the laws they must comply with. In addition, the board would like to see more of an effort towards education on this topic, pertaining to resources for students in the event of an ICE encounter.
In a 17:1 vote, the Echo Editorial Board stands by Park’s efforts towards student safety and privacy, and encourages Park to continue supporting and communicating with parents and students, as well as educating community members on resources and how to show up for our neighbors experiencing fear and anxiety about ICE.
