House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN) is raising concerns about the growing threat of Somali gangs operating in Minnesota, warning that violent incidents linked to these groups are going largely unreported by local media outlets.

Speaking about a series of violent attacks and rising crime, Emmer said Somali gangs are putting public safety at risk in communities across the state.

“Unfortunately, the failing press in Minnesota, especially in the Twin Cities, is not,” Emmer said.

“These Somali gangs are incredibly dangerous. We had an attack at a high school basketball game last spring where a Somali gang came in and started beating a kid on a bench with a tire iron.”

Emmer also referenced a shooting tied to a Somali gang that occurred during a graduation ceremony at the University of Minnesota. He expressed frustration that the incident received no coverage in the local press.

“We’ve got Somali gangs that are causing these problems,” Emmer said, noting that he has contacted the FBI and federal authorities are now taking steps to address the situation.

Somali gangs are a real threat in Minnesota. Yet, no one in the Minnesota media is reporting on it.

I spoke to the FBI and they’re taking action. pic.twitter.com/O1xZ9iX3F3

— Tom Emmer (@GOPMajorityWhip) July 21, 2025

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One of the most prominent groups cited is the Somali Outlaws, a gang that has been active in Minnesota since the early 2000s.

The group operates primarily in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood of Minneapolis and in parts of Saint Paul.

The Somali Outlaws are known for their involvement in drug trafficking and have engaged in violent clashes with rival gangs, including the Hot Boyz and 1627 Boys.

Authorities have also raised concerns about the recruitment of Somali youth by these groups, with some reports indicating that gang members are attempting to bring younger individuals into broader criminal networks.

Retired Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek also weighed in on the issue, tying the rise in gang activity to state immigration policies.

“Minnesota has always been a welcoming place for new immigrants, and we have no problem with that,” Stanek said.

“But back in 2008 [through] 2012 to the beginning of Walz’s administration, the refugee population continued to grow and grow and grow. And it went unchecked.”

Stanek pointed to a lack of oversight and integration as contributing factors in areas where gang activity has escalated.

He referenced the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood in Minneapolis, commonly referred to as “Little Mogadishu” due to its large Somali immigrant population. The area has seen a notable rise in crime over the past decade.

According to census data collected by Minnesota Compass between 2008 and 2022, more than 44,000 Somali immigrants born outside of the United States reside in Minnesota.

Within the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood alone, violent crime rose by 56 percent between 2010 and 2018.

Despite this trend, some officials say the issue is being ignored for political reasons.

Emmer warned that left-leaning politicians in the state are hesitant to acknowledge the full scope of the problem.

Governor Tim Walz (D-MN) has maintained that Minnesota will continue to welcome immigrants and refugees.

However, critics say that his administration has not adequately addressed the risks posed by criminal networks exploiting those policies.

Emmer emphasized that federal involvement is necessary to confront what he called a dangerous trend affecting communities in Minnesota.

He reiterated that the FBI has been alerted and investigations into gang activity are underway.

Whether future action will lead to broader enforcement or legislative steps remains to be seen.