This browser does not support the Video element.
Trump on Somalis: 'I don't want them in our country'
President Donald Trump commented on Gov. Tim Walz and immigrants from Somalia during a Cabinet meeting Tuesday afternoon, saying: "They contribute nothing. I don't want them in our country. I'll be honest with you."
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - President Donald Trump said he does not want people from Somalia in the United States, saying Somalis "ripped off" the state of Minnesota and "contribute to nothing."
"I don't want them in our country," Trump said, adding he doesn't care if that's not politically correct.
Trump comments on Walz, Somalis in Minnesota
What they're saying:
During a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, President Trump was asked about Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and if he should resign after several cases of fraud in the state. He labeled Walz as "grossly incompetent" and expressed similar sentiments about U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minnesota). He criticized their handling of issues in Minnesota, particularly in relation to the Somali community.
Trump expressed his desire to limit immigration, particularly from countries he perceives as problematic. He mentioned Somalia specifically, criticizing the country's lack of structure and governance.
RELATED: Trump Thanksgiving message attacks Somali refugees, Minnesota Gov. Walz
"I hear they ripped off — Somalians, ripped off that state for billions of dollars, billions every year, billions of dollars. And they contribute nothing. The welfare is like 88%. They contribute nothing. I don't want them in our country. I'll be honest with you," Trump said on Tuesday.
He noted he doesn't care if that's not politically correct to say, adding, "I don't want them in our country. Their country's no good for a reason. Their country stinks and we don't want them in our country. I could say that about other countries too."
This browser does not support the Video element.
Trump vows crackdown of Somalis in Minnesota
During comments he made on Tuesday, President Trump vowed a crackdown on Somali immigrants in Minnesota. Minnesota is currently home to the largest population of Somali-born residents in the U.S. FOX 9’s Rob Olson has the latest from Minneapolis.
"If we keep taking in garbage into our country. Ilhan Omar is garbage. She's garbage. Her friends are garbage. … These are people that do nothing but complain," Trump added.
Trump emphasized his belief that the U.S. should focus on its internal issues rather than accepting immigrants from certain countries.
ICE targeting Somali community: Reports
Dig deeper:
Trump's comments come as his administration is reportedly targeting the Twin Cities Somali community a week after Trump said he was terminating Somali Minnesotans Temporary Protected Status.
Sen. Tina Smith sent the following statement:
"When Donald Trump calls all Somalis ‘garbage’, he’s talking about the people who run your favorite deli in Minneapolis, the nurse who takes care of you at the hospital, the home health aide looking after your aging parent, the military veteran who served this country, your local and federal elected leaders, and hardworking patriotic American taxpayers who came to this country legally.
"I know many of our Somali friends and neighbors are fearful as the Trump Administration threatens ICE raids specifically targeting them in the Twin Cities. I urge you to understand your rights, have your documents with you, and seek out help from an immigration attorney if you have specific questions. The Minneapolis Police Department is urging residents to call 911 if you see suspicious activity and masked agents raiding homes to confirm the activity is being conducted by real federal agents."