Rep. Tom Emmer (R-MN) said Somali immigrants who do not assimilate should "go the hell back to where they came from" [1].
The comments from the third-ranking House Republican [1] highlight intensifying tensions over immigration and cultural integration within the U.S. political landscape.
Emmer made the remarks on Thursday [1] during a Faith and Freedom Coalition town-hall event held on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. [1, 2]. The congressman, who represents Minnesota's sixth District [2], argued that immigrants need to assimilate into American society.
During the event, Emmer expressed frustration over the social and political risks of discussing these issues. He said that some Minnesotans are afraid of being called a racist or an Islamophobe, and that they often avoid those fights. Emmer said, "I would argue that I never did care, but I'm done being careful, even the least bit careful" [2].
The remarks have drawn condemnation from critics who describe the comments as an anti-Somali tirade [2]. Emmer said there is nothing racist about calling out a criminal [3].
Minnesota is home to a significant Somali population, making the remarks particularly relevant to the congressman's home district. The town hall served as a platform for Emmer to argue that the demand for assimilation is a matter of national cohesion rather than prejudice [1, 2].
“Somali immigrants should either assimilate or "go the hell back to where they came from."”
The rhetoric used by the House Majority Whip reflects a broader shift in some GOP circles toward more explicit demands for cultural assimilation. By framing the issue as a choice between integration and departure, Emmer is signaling a departure from more cautious political language regarding immigrant communities, specifically targeting a demographic prominent in his own constituency.
