The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN) has called on members of Congress to publicly condemn comments made by House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, saying his remarks about Somali Americans promoted racism and hostility toward immigrants.
According to CAIR-MN, the Minnesota Republican made the remarks during a Faith & Freedom Coalition gathering in Washington, DC., where he spoke about immigration and the Somali community in the United States (US).
During his speech, Emmer claimed that Somali immigrants "don't assimilate" and said that those who fail to do so "should go the hell back to where they came from." He also stated that he was "done being careful" about being labelled "a racist" or "an Islamophobe".
The comments have drawn criticism from civil rights organisations and elected leaders, with CAIR-MN saying the remarks fell below the standards expected from one of the country's senior lawmakers.
CAIR-MN Executive Director Jaylani Hussein said Emmer's statements were inappropriate for a congressional leader and urged lawmakers from both political parties to publicly reject the remarks.
"Representative Emmer's comments are beneath the dignity of his office and unworthy of a congressional leader," Hussein said.
He said Emmer's suggestion that Somali Americans should return to their countries of origin repeated language that has historically been used to target immigrants and communities of colour in the US.
"This rhetoric is both un-Minnesotan and un-American," Hussein said. "Members of Congress should reject this hateful rhetoric and make clear that Somali Americans are valued members of our state and our nation."
CAIR-MN said Congress should make it clear that racism and hostility toward immigrants have no place in public office and should reaffirm its support for Somali Americans and other immigrant communities.
The organisation also said it has consistently challenged statements and actions by public officials that it believes unfairly target Somali Americans and other Muslim communities.
The latest dispute comes as advocacy groups continue to raise concerns about anti-Muslim discrimination across the US. The Council, which is based in Washington, said its most recent civil rights report documented 8,683 complaints involving anti-Muslim bias during 2025.
According to the organisation, that figure represents the highest number of complaints recorded since it began publishing its annual civil rights reports in 1996, reflecting what it says is a continued rise in incidents affecting Muslim communities across the country.
CAIR said it works to defend civil rights, improve public understanding of Islam, advance justice and strengthen the American Muslim community through advocacy, education and legal support.
The group's appeal places additional pressure on members of Congress to respond publicly to Emmer's remarks, which have become part of a wider debate over immigration, race and political rhetoric in the United States. CAIR-MN said congressional leaders have a responsibility to reject language that it believes promotes division and instead affirm that Somali Americans are part of the country's social, economic and civic life.
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