Minnesota State Senator Omar Fateh has called for Governor Tim Walz to implement an eviction moratorium to assist neighbors facing financial hardship due to deportation threats following heightened immigration enforcement in the state.
The proposal follows reports of increased Trump administration immigration enforcement efforts in Minnesota after more evidence emerged of welfare and relief fraud within the Somali community. In a social media statement Monday, Fateh described the situation as “an emergency,” stating that “Our neighbors are terrified to leave their homes, go to work and many are now struggling to make ends meet.” He added, “Minnesotans are already stepping up to help their neighbors in need — it is time for the governor to enact an eviction moratorium.”
The suggestion has drawn sharp criticism online. Social media users have mocked the call, with one commenting, “Go to work? You mean scam and fraud? That is not real work,” while another stated, “If they are terrified, they are illegal or committing fraud. Sane law-abiding citizens aren’t terrified.” Another detractor wrote, “Another scam in the works!”
Fateh, a son of Somali immigrants to Minnesota, is best known for his unsuccessful campaign for Minneapolis mayor. He was defeated by Democratic-Farmer-Labor Mayor Jacob Frey in November with a margin of nearly 6%. Walz has faced accusations of obstructing investigations into the Somali fraud schemes, though he denies these allegations and claims he ordered criminal probes. Republicans in Minnesota have already drafted articles of impeachment against Walz related to the matter.
