Minnesota's Democratic Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan praised the state's Somali migrants during a visit to a market in a video posted to YouTube Thursday.
President Donald Trump announced In November, he said he would end “temporary protected status” for Somalis in the state in response to allegations of welfare fraud and said the influx of refugees had “destroyed our country.” Flanagan, who wore a hijab, a head covering worn by some Muslim women, during her visit to the market, held the microphone as video published by Minnesota Somali Television. (RELATED: Police chief who groveled after discussing 'East African crime' panders to Somalis again)
“Salaam Alaikum. My name is Peggy Flanagan. I am the Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota and I am honored and humbled to be here with all of you today,” Flanagan said. “It's very clear to me that the Somali community is part of the fabric of the state of Minnesota. I think about my friendship with Nimco. We've been friends for almost 25 years, and when I think about being a part of Minnesota and growing up here, the Somali community has always been part of my Minnesota.”
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“So I want to just encourage the community to know that we are with you, we have your back,” Flanagan continued. “I'm shopping today and I'm just encouraging other people to come out, support our Somali businesses, support our immigrant neighbors, and I know things are scary right now and I just know that there are more people looking out for you, there are more people that are here to support you than you think.”
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) growing to the Minneapolis area to target illegal immigrants from Somalia following revelations of at least $1 billion in fraud with the Treasury Department investigation allegations that part of the proceeds from the scheme went to the radical Islamic terrorist group al-Shabaab. Fraud estimates have risen to at least $9 billion. according to federal officialsnoting that several programs were targeted.
Civil servants accused Democratic Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota on engaging in a “systematic” retaliation against whistleblowers who warned of fraud schemes on Nov. 30 as the Justice Department investigates multiple federal cases. Waltz admitted that the state is “bringing in criminals” but demanded that Somalis not be demonized during an appearance on NBC's “Meet the Press.” (RELATED: Minneapolis Democratic Mayor Says City Will Resist Trump's Response to Somali Fraud Scandal)
“I will continue to support the Somali community, be with you and do everything in my power to bring back the friendship and community that the Somali community has shown me,” Flanagan said.
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