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Rep. Tom Emmer faces backlash for telling Somalis to 'go the hell back to where they came from'
By Allie Johnson at FOX 9 KMSP (FOX)
· June 26, 2026
· 1 min read
Rep. Tom Emmer is facing backlash from Democrats for his comments at a recent town hall saying Somalis who "don't assimilate" should "go the hell back to where they came from."
Key takeaway Tom Emmer is facing backlash from Democrats for his comments at a recent town hall saying Somalis who "don't assimilate" should "go the hell back to where they came from.
Why this matters in The Minneapolis
The controversy surrounding Rep. Tom Emmer's comments has significant implications for the Minneapolis community, which is home to a large Somali population. The city's Somali residents have made substantial contributions to the local economy and cultural landscape, and Emmer's remarks have sparked concerns about the impact on community relations and social cohesion. As the representative for a district that includes parts of the Twin Cities, Emmer's words may be perceived as divisive and alienating to the very constituents he is supposed to serve. The backlash from Democrats is likely just the beginning, as community leaders and organizations may also weigh in on the issue, potentially affecting Emmer's relationships with key stakeholders in the region. The situation will likely be closely watched by local residents, who will be looking for a response from Emmer and other elected officials on how they plan to address the concerns and promote greater understanding and inclusivity.
About this story
Original reporting by FOX 9 KMSP (FOX) . The Minneapolis surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit FOX 9 KMSP (FOX) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 26, 2026 ·
Source: FOX 9 KMSP (FOX) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Rep. Tom Emmer is facing backlash from Democrats for his comments at a recent town hall saying Somalis who "don't assimilate" should "go the hell back to where they came from."
When was this published? This article was first published on June 26, 2026 by FOX 9 KMSP (FOX) and curated for The Minneapolis readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Allie Johnson at FOX 9 KMSP (FOX). To learn more about how The Minneapolis selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Minneapolis, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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