Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey posted on X celebrating Somali Independence Day. In the message, Frey noted that Minnesota is home to one of the largest Somali communities in the United States and praised its resilience, culture, and contributions to the city. The post, which included a video, has drawn hundreds of replies from online users, with many expressing strong criticism of the celebration.
The video shows Mayor Frey on an outdoor stage addressing a crowd that includes people waving the Somali flag and the American flag. He said, “Through the most difficult of times and through Operation Metro surge, we all saw that they tried to come for some of us. And when that happens, we say that you are coming for all of us”.
He added, “In Minneapolis, we love our neighbors, in Minneapolis We don’t see you as immigrants. We see you as our family. You are our brothers, you are our sisters. You have done so much for this incredible city, and for that, we stand with you.”
The post text described Minnesota as home to one of the largest Somali communities in the United States, whose resilience, culture, and leadership continue to enrich the city. It is not clear from the clip whether these remarks formed the full address or were part of a longer event.
From Celebration to Criticism on X
Some commenters focused on welfare statistics and fraud cases. One wrote, “Minnesota’s Somali community has the highest welfare usage in the state, 81% of households on benefits vs. 21% for natives, while involved in massive fraud scandals stealing hundreds of millions (Feeding Our Future alone) from taxpayers. Not contributions. Theft.”
Another stated, “The other 364 days are Somali Dependence Days. They’re completely dependent on the government for even the most basic of needs. The ones who aren’t stealing are all on the system. But you’re OK with that because they vote for their masters: Democrats.”
Other responses questioned the location of the celebration and directed comments at the mayor. Users wrote, “Go celebrate in Somalia. In America, we DON’T GIVE A *expletive*!” and “Happy Somali Independence Day? Keep the celebration in Somalia.”
One said, “You are the worst mayor we’ve ever had. Stop feeding Somalia’s future. The city should be for Minnesota citizens and NOT Somalians. You are total BS.”
Additional comments described a “symbiotic relationship with the Democrat party” involving alleged theft covered up in exchange for votes and contributions.
The mayor’s remarks have become part of ongoing online discussions about community relations and local priorities in Minnesota. Commenters continue to weigh the message of unity against longstanding questions about welfare usage and public resources.
