Wednesday July 1, 2026
Minneapolis (HOL) — The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations on Monday called on members of Congress to publicly condemn U.S. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer over remarks the group described as racist and xenophobic toward Somali Americans.
CAIR-MN said Emmer, a Minnesota Republican, made the remarks during a Faith & Freedom Coalition event in Washington, D.C.
“Representative Emmer’s comments are beneath the dignity of his office and unworthy of a congressional leader,” said CAIR-MN Executive Director Jaylani Hussein.
Hussein said telling Somali Americans to “go back where they came from” is a racist attack that has historically been directed at immigrants and communities of color.
“This rhetoric is both un-Minnesotan and un-American,” Hussein said. “Members of Congress should reject this hateful rhetoric and make clear that Somali Americans are valued members of our state and our nation.”
CAIR-MN said it is urging congressional leaders from both parties to condemn Emmer’s remarks and reaffirm that racism and anti-immigrant bigotry have no place in Congress.
Hussein said CAIR has repeatedly condemned hateful rhetoric and actions by public officials targeting Somali Americans.
Washington-based CAIR said its latest civil rights report documented 8,683 anti-Muslim bias complaints in 2025, the highest number recorded by the organization since it began publishing civil rights reports in 1996.
CAIR mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice and empower American Muslims.
