'Refugees Are Welcome In Minneapolis': Democrats Reject Trump's Take On Somali Immigrants

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO/AP) — Minnesota Democrats are condemning President Donald Trump for criticizing their state for welcoming so many Somali refugees.

At his political rally Thursday night in Minneapolis, which is home to the largest Somali population in the U.S., Trump said the city and state had allowed refugees in without considering the impact. He also said he thinks Democrats would throw open the nation's borders if they regain power.

Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar tweeted that Trump should "stop using immigrants and refugees as political pawns." She says they've made Minnesota "a wonderful place to live and work."

In a statement Thursday, Executive Director of Minnesota's Council on American-Islamic Relations Jaylani Hussein also condemned the remarks, stating Trump's word were dividing the country and putting Somali immigrants in the state "in danger from the growing white supremacist movement".

Trump said no refugees should be placed in any city or state without permission from the mayor or governor.

Mayor Jacob Frey tweeted: "Consent given. Immigrants and refugees are welcome in Minneapolis."

(© Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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