Somali Americans in Ohio Face Fear and Harassment Following Trump Comments
In Columbus, Ohio, the Somali American community is grappling with a climate of fear and intimidation following racist remarks by former President Donald Trump and a targeted operation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Residents report harassment, business closures, and a pervasive sense of unease that has disrupted daily life.
Early Morning Intimidation and Break-Ins
In late December, men began circling the 161 Child Care facility in Columbus as early as 6 a.m., parking outside and shouting threats at Somali American owners. "We're exposing all of you. Every single one of you, you're all going back," they declared. The situation escalated on New Year's Day with a break-in at the daycare.
"It was heart-breaking to me," said Abukar Mohammed, a part-owner. "I never thought that in America there would be racial things, that this could happen in America. I was shocked."
Operation Buckeye and Rightwing Influencers
Days after Trump's comments, ICE launched "Operation Buckeye," targeting what it called "the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens" in Ohio. Simultaneously, rightwing influencers, including leaders from Turning Point USA, have amplified anti-immigrant sentiment, accusing Somali-owned businesses of fraud.
Since then, ICE agents have been seen near Somali-owned businesses and schools, while influencers have followed suit. This has led to decreased customer traffic and school closures due to low attendance, fueled by the presence of federal agents and provocateurs.
Community Impact and Political Response
The Somali community in Columbus, numbering around 60,000, is reeling. "Before this happened, I thought the president was going to be a good president," said Mohammed. "I'm scared to go outside. They drive around, they cuss, they say bad stuff."
Influencers claim daycare facilities run by Somali Americans are fraudulent and misuse government funds. Ohio funds approximately 5,200 childcare facilities, and Governor Mike DeWine noted that tips led to 12 programs (0.2% of state-funded facilities) being shut down. While 161 Child Care passed state inspections, it was closed during the intimidation campaign.
Unlike Minnesota's supportive Democratic-led government, Ohio's rightwing politicians have targeted immigrant communities. Two Republican representatives proposed a bill to install recording equipment in state-funded childcare facilities. Ohio's legislature is also considering proposals to compel law enforcement cooperation with ICE, contrasting with Columbus city council's February 23 legislation banning such cooperation without council approval.
Historical Context and Ongoing Threats
The Somali community in Columbus emerged after refugees fled war in the 1990s. Many now work in healthcare and distribution centers, owning an estimated 500 businesses along Cleveland Avenue. Hassan Omar of the Somali Community Association of Ohio, who arrived in 1998, reports that not only childcare facilities but also his organization have been targeted, with death threats and racist messages.
"[They called me] 'motherfucker, go back to Somalia,' I don't know how they got my cell number," he said. "That's not normal." Rightwing influencers have filmed outside the association's office, which provides social services.
Temporary Protected Status and Broader Implications
More troubling is the fate of 2,500 Somali nationals in the U.S. under Temporary Protected Status (TPS), set to end on March 17. Enacted in 1991, TPS termination could force long-term residents to return to Somalia, where the World Food Programme may end emergency food aid due to funding shortages. Somalia ranks among the world's poorest countries, with over 6.5 million facing acute hunger, and the U.S. State Department has issued a "do not travel" warning due to security risks.
Despite threats from terrorist group al-Shabaab, the Trump administration is ending TPS for Somalis. Mohammed, who fled Somalia in the early 2000s, has installed new security at his childcare center. "When I tried to leave, people outside would say things like, 'you bought your clothes with our money,'" he says, blaming unidentified individuals for customer shortages and financial struggles.
The community continues to advocate for peace and understanding. "Our community works hard, follows regulations and values education," said Kawther Musa, a Columbus community relations officer. "But unfortunately, when communities grow and become visible, they sometimes face backlash. Hate speech and cyber harassment should be investigated seriously. At the same time, leaders must be careful not to inflame tensions."
