A visibly uncomfortable silence hung over the gathering as Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey attempted to savor a traditional Somali dish. Ambulo, a blend of boiled beans, wheat berries, sugar, and spices, was presented as a gesture of solidarity, but his reaction told a different story.
Witnesses described the mayor taking large bites, a forced smile plastered on his face, while struggling to conceal his distaste. The scene unfolded against a backdrop of escalating political tension and a clear attempt to publicly align himself with the city’s Somali community.
The display followed reports that the previous administration was considering increased enforcement actions targeting Somali immigrants in the Twin Cities. Mayor Frey, alongside other city leaders, held a press conference to preemptively denounce any such actions and offer reassurance.
“Minneapolis is proud to be home to the largest Somali community in the country,” Frey declared, emphasizing their importance as neighbors, friends, and family. He asserted that nothing would diminish the city’s welcome, a direct response to past rhetoric.
City officials reiterated Minneapolis’s policy of non-cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Council Member Jamal Osman, himself a Somali-American, spoke of the fear gripping the community, recalling his own family’s journey to the United States decades ago.
Osman urged residents to remain informed, safe, and supportive of one another during a time of uncertainty. He acknowledged the anxieties felt by many families and pledged the city’s unwavering support.
Police Chief Brian O’Hara addressed the possibility of protests, affirming the right to peaceful demonstration and promising to defend those exercising their First Amendment rights. He also cautioned against violence, prioritizing the safety of all residents.
O’Hara stressed the importance of maintaining calm and minimizing any potential for tragedy, particularly for communities already facing hardship. The city’s message was clear: Minneapolis stood firmly with its Somali community, regardless of external pressures.
The press conference and the mayor’s carefully staged meal became symbols of a city grappling with its identity and its commitment to inclusivity in a politically charged environment.
