Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, a Democrat running for a third term, has released a campaign advertisement aimed at the city’s Somali community. The ad includes both Somali and English-language segments, with Frey expressing solidarity with Somali residents in the face of President Donald Trump’s travel restrictions, which impacted several Muslim-majority countries including Somalia.
In his address, Frey stated:
“My name is Jacob Frey, Mayor of Minneapolis, and I want to speak directly to the Somali community. Whether you come from Mogadishu, Getawe, Pargesa, Bosaso, Medoa, or Kismayo, Minneapolis is your city. You are a vital part of the fabric that makes our city strong, diverse, and united.
No matter what policies may be introduced by President Donald Trump, Minneapolis stands with you and values who you are and what you bring to our city. I wish you all Eid Mubarak, and I hope you have a wonderful time with your loved ones.”
Frey also criticized Trump’s rationale for the travel ban, referencing a violent incident involving an Egyptian national in Colorado. He argued that using isolated acts to justify broad restrictions against entire nations or communities was flawed logic.
Minneapolis’ Mayor is now making commercials in Somalian… pic.twitter.com/kaPZ30qB8B
— Wall Street Mav (@WallStreetMav) September 20, 2025
“Holding entire nations accountable for the actions of a few individuals is the very same fallacy,” Frey said. “Here in Minneapolis, people of every background have broken the law, and when they do, we hold them accountable as individuals. That’s how justice works. Cutting off an entire diaspora from its roots doesn’t keep anyone safe. It only deepens division at a time when connection is more important than ever.”
He concluded by emphasizing the longstanding ties between Minneapolis and its Somali community:
“We will not let Donald Trump’s bans alienate our Somali residents, our neighbors, and friends whom we love.”
My name is Omar Fateh, and I’m running for Minneapolis Mayor because for working people, it’s getting harder to build our lives in this city we love. To make an affordable Minneapolis that works for everyone, we need a Mayor that works as hard as we do. I’m ready to get to work. pic.twitter.com/CzYkmgKfxQ
— Omar Fateh (@OmarFatehMN) July 13, 2025
Frey’s campaign comes at a time of increasing political competition. He is being challenged by Minnesota State Senator Omar Fateh, a Democrat and the son of Somali immigrants. Fateh is positioning himself as a progressive alternative, with a platform that includes left-leaning economic and social policies, drawing support from segments of the city’s growing East African and Muslim population.