When President Donald Trump stated during a recent cabinet meeting that Somali immigrants were “garbage” who “contribute nothing,” his words did more than spark political controversy. Instead, they triggered fear and frustration within a community that has spent decades building families, institutions, and careers across the United States. At the same time, federal authorities reportedly prepared stepped-up immigration enforcement in Minnesota, home to the country’s largest Somali population.
For many Somalis in America and around the world, such attacks are not new. However, they stand in direct opposition to the facts. Somali immigrants consistently demonstrate strong civic participation, entrepreneurship, community leadership, and public service. In practice, they vote, serve in government, shape public policy, and contribute to society at every level.
This article, therefore, presents empirical evidence from around the world. Somali immigrants are not only integrated. In reality, they rank among the most successful and civically engaged diaspora communities of the modern era.
What Integration Really Means
Political rhetoric often misuses the word “assimilation.” In contrast, integration is measured through participation and contribution. True integration includes:
- Civic involvement and voting
- Holding public office
- Completing higher education
- Working, building careers, and starting businesses
- Contributing to nonprofit and community organizations
- Serving in public institutions such as law enforcement or the military
Across these measures, Somali communities consistently excel. Integration does not require abandoning culture or religion. Like many immigrant groups before them, Somali immigrants maintain cultural identity while actively participating in civic and economic life.
A Global Record of Somali Excellence
Somalis have reached positions of influence across several continents. Their achievements reflect a high level of integration and sustained civic participation. Far from standing apart, Somalis have become trusted public servants, lawmakers, intellectuals, and community leaders.
Below is a streamlined overview of Somali leaders worldwide. Each example demonstrates discipline, resilience, and the drive to serve.
International Leadership: Somali Influence on the World Stage
Judge Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf — International Court of Justice
Judge Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf is among the most accomplished Somali legal scholars in history. He served on the International Court of Justice from 2009 to 2025. During this period, he also served as President (2018–2021) and Vice President (2015–2018).
Educated in Somalia, Italy, and Switzerland, he later held senior roles at UNESCO and UNIDO. In addition, he founded the African Institute of International Law.
North America: Somali Leadership in the United States and Canada
United States
Ilhan Omar — U.S. Congress
Ilhan Omar became the first Somali-American elected to Congress in 2018. Previously, she served in the Minnesota legislature. Her rise from refugee to federal lawmaker demonstrates full integration at the national level.
Omar Fateh — Minnesota State Senate
Omar Fateh was elected to the Minnesota State Senate in 2020 and re-elected in 2022. Currently, he represents South Minneapolis, where he focuses on education, housing, and economic equity. More recently, he also ran a competitive mayoral campaign.
Abdi Warsame — Minneapolis City Council (Former)
Abdi Warsame became the first Somali elected to the Minneapolis City Council in 2013. After immigrating from London in 2006, he became a leading advocate for housing, public services, and community inclusion.
Jamal Osman — Minneapolis City Council
Jamal Osman, elected to represent Ward 6, has been a strong advocate for affordable housing, community safety, and mental health support. His work highlights the active civic role Somali-Americans play in Minneapolis.
Munira Abdullahi — Ohio House of Representatives (District 9)
Munira Abdullahi is one of the first Somali Americans elected to the Ohio legislature, and the first Muslim woman elected to state office in Ohio. Her background includes youth advocacy and nonprofit leadership.
Ismail Mohamed — Ohio House of Representatives (District 3)
Ismail Mohamed, an attorney, was elected in 2022 and focuses on expanding economic opportunity and supporting diverse communities across Ohio.
Canada
Ahmed Hussen — Member of Parliament and Former Federal Cabinet Minister
Ahmed Hussen is the first Somali-Canadian elected to Parliament and the first Somali-Canadian appointed to a federal Cabinet position, serving as Minister of Immigration, Housing, and Families. His career represents a major milestone for Somali representation in Canadian politics.
Europe: Representation in Parliaments and Public Institutions
Norway
Marian Abdi Hussein — Member of Parliament
Marian Abdi Hussein has become one of Norway’s most influential Somali-Norwegian politicians. First elected in 2021, she serves as Deputy Parliamentary Leader and chairs the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Affairs.
Safia Abdi Haase — Human Rights Advocate
Safia Abdi Haase is a national leader in human rights, women’s health, and anti-racism advocacy. She was awarded the Order of St. Olav for her contributions to Norwegian society.
United Kingdom
Sir Mark Hendrick — Member of Parliament
For more than two decades, Sir Mark Hendrick has represented Preston in Parliament. Previously, he served in the European Parliament. As a result, his career reflects sustained representation of Somali heritage in British politics.
Rakhia Ismail — Mayor of Islington (2019–2020)
Rakhia Ismail became the UK’s first Somali-born woman to serve as Mayor. Her decades of community service and leadership highlight Somali contributions to British civic life.
Rageh Omaar — Journalist and Public Broadcaster
Rageh Omaar is one of the United Kingdom’s most respected journalists and serves as International Affairs Editor for ITV News. His reporting and commentary have shaped global understanding of major world events.
Finland
Suldaan Said Ahmed — Former Member of Parliament
Suldaan Said Ahmed became Finland’s first Somali-born MP in 2021 and continues to serve in Helsinki city politics.
Zahra Abdulla — Helsinki City Councillor (Former)
Zahra Abdulla served for many years on the Helsinki City Council and became a key voice for equality, education, and immigrant inclusion.
Netherlands
Earlier, Ayaan Hirsi Ali served in the Dutch Parliament. Later, she established herself as a prominent author and public intellectual.
Sweden
Abdirizak Waberi — Member of Parliament (Former)
Abdirizak Waberi served in the Swedish Riksdag and focused on policies supporting immigrant inclusion and early childhood education.
Oceania: Somali Leadership in Australia
Abdi Aden — Councillor and Community Advocate
Abdi Aden arrived in Australia as a refugee and became a respected youth advocate, author, and Melbourne councillor. His work reflects a significant civic contribution within Australian public life.
East Africa: Regional Governance and Policy Influence
Kenya
Mohamed Adow — Climate Policy Leader
Mohamed Adow is the founding director of Power Shift Africa and one of the continent’s most influential climate justice advocates.
Ambassador Ali Daud Mohamed — Climate Diplomacy
Ambassador Ali Daud Mohamed has served in senior diplomatic roles, including chairing negotiations for African nations in global climate summits.
Fatuma Ibrahim Ali — East African Legislative Assembly
Fatuma Ibrahim Ali serves in the East African Legislative Assembly and previously made history as the first Woman MP for Wajir County
Why Somali Integration Thrives Worldwide
Somali communities excel in many countries due to several strengths:
- A strong sense of responsibility and community
- A commitment to education
- Entrepreneurship and economic resilience
- Adaptability and determination after hardship
- Cultural values that encourage discipline and cooperation
These qualities support successful integration in any society.
Correcting the Myth with Facts
The claim that Somalis do not assimilate is contradicted by empirical evidence from several continents. Somali immigrants:
- Hold elected office
- Lead global institutions
- Serve in government and education
- Build businesses that support local economies
- Contribute to media, law, science, and public policy
- Participate in community organizations and civic life
These accomplishments cannot be ignored or dismissed. The issue is not Somali integration. The issue is misinformation.
Conclusion
From the International Court of Justice to national parliaments, Somali immigrants have demonstrated leadership, resilience, and civic commitment. They contribute meaningfully to the countries they call home and strengthen the societies they live in. Their story is one of courage, achievement, and belonging.
Questions About Somali Integration
Somali immigrants show strong integration through civic participation, public service, higher education, business ownership, and leadership roles in government, nonprofit work, and community institutions across several continents.
Yes. Somali immigrants have been elected to public office in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden, Finland, the Netherlands, Kenya, and Australia. Their political engagement is one of the clearest indicators of integration.
Somalis have served as members of parliament, cabinet ministers, city councillors, judges, human rights leaders, academic scholars, and even the President of the International Court of Justice.
They contribute through entrepreneurship, education, public service, nonprofit leadership, healthcare, transportation industries, youth programs, community advocacy, and political representation.
No. Somali immigrants demonstrate high levels of civic participation, cultural adaptation, language acquisition, and community involvement, which are well-established markers of integration.
Their leadership roles prove that Somali communities are actively involved in democratic systems, trusted by voters, and capable of shaping policy at local, national, and international levels.
Somali communities emphasize higher education, producing scholars, professors, researchers, and legal experts who contribute to universities, public institutions, and global think tanks.
Despite strong integration, Somali communities often face discrimination, misinformation, economic barriers, and targeted immigration enforcement, which can undermine public understanding of their contributions.
Yes. Many Somali leaders work in housing advocacy, youth development, mental health support, refugee services, and community development organizations.
It shows that Somali immigrants are resilient, adaptable, and committed to building better futures for their families and communities while actively contributing to the societies they join.
