State Representative Esther Agbaje is lifting her voice alongside community leaders as Minnesota confronts a new wave of federal hostility toward immigrants—particularly Somali Minnesotans. Speaking as the daughter of Nigerian immigrants, Agbaje says the rhetoric coming from the White House is causing grief, fear and anger across communities that have long contributed to the social, cultural and economic fabric of the state.
Agbaje described the President’s remarks—targeting Somali Americans with racist accusations and xenophobic language—as both dangerous and dehumanizing. She emphasized that immigrants are not political pawns, but neighbors, families and essential contributors to Minnesota life. “Above all,” she said, “they are human beings who deserve to be treated as human.”
Agbaje reminded Minnesotans that the state’s strength lies in its cultural diversity and its longstanding commitment to care for one another. Immigrants, she said, are “an essential fabric of our identity, who we are, and the values that bond us.”
Her message underscores an unwavering commitment: to defend immigrant communities when they are targeted and to ensure residents have the tools to protect themselves and their rights. Fear and division, she said, cannot be allowed to outweigh justice or community unity.
Agbaje recently appeared on NewsNation to counter false narratives about fraud prevention and to explain Minnesota’s work to hold accountable those who commit fraud—facts she says the administration continues to distort to justify sweeping attacks on immigrant communities. She joined the Minneapolis House Delegation in issuing a statement condemning the rhetoric and the decision to bring ICE into local neighborhoods.
The legislator says the administration’s approach is harming Minnesotans by manufacturing crises and inciting fear, rather than addressing affordability, stability or safety for all residents.
Agbaje says communities must respond not only with condemnation but with preparation and solidarity. She highlighted the work of local advocates who are building rapid-response networks to protect residents from targeted immigration raids and to ensure everyone understands their constitutional rights.
Upcoming trainings—such as legal observer workshops, rapid response training led by the Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee, and nonviolent direct-action sessions—are equipping residents to support neighbors facing harassment or detention.
She also pointed to a comprehensive immigration resource toolkit created by Senate DFL members, along with legal support provided by the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota for individuals detained by ICE.
Agbaje encouraged constituents to continue reaching out for information, assistance and resources as federal tension unfolds. “Minnesotans love our neighbors,” she said. “And we protect one another.”