Human Rights Commission issues statement supporting Somali community

Fargo, N.D. (KVRR) – As ICE enforcement operations targeting the Somali community in Minnesota continue, the Fargo Human Rights Commission is offering their support.

The commission met Tuesday to plan a press conference and statement of support for the local Somali immigrants in the metro.

Moorhead City Council made a similar proclamation at the start of December.

While this statement wasn’t voted on by Fargo City Commission, Human Rights Commission says they have the city’s support and will be joined at the press conference by members of the Somali community.

The press conference is scheduled for next Tuesday at the Sky Commons.

Read the statement below:

The Fargo Human Rights Commission (HRC) is deeply troubled by the recent rise in inflammatory rhetoric targeting the Somali community in Minnesota and beyond. As hateful statements circulate nationally and regionally, including language that dehumanizes entire groups of people for the actions of a few, we reaffirm that such rhetoric threatens the dignity, safety, and well-being of all communities, especially those who are most vulnerable.

Across the country, we have witnessed harmful narratives aimed at various populations: Haitian immigrants labeled with false and degrading stereotypes, Hispanic and Latino communities threatened with mass deportations, and the LGBTQ community subjected to ongoing denigration. When national leaders normalize the demonization of one group, it creates a pathway for discrimination, hostility, and violence against many. These are not policy debates; they are human rights concerns.

Fargo is home to a vibrant Somali population that contributes richly to our city’s cultural, economic, and civic life. The Fargo Human Rights Commission stands unequivocally with our Somali neighbors and rejects any rhetoric that paints entire communities as dangerous or unworthy. Dehumanization is never acceptable, and the HRC will not tolerate attempts to intimidate, stigmatize, or isolate any group living in our city.

The Fargo Human Rights Commission reaffirms that every resident – regardless of race, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, immigration status, or identity – deserves to live with dignity and safety. We remain committed to protecting the rights of all Fargo residents and to confronting hate wherever it appears.