Fargo Human Rights Commission Holds Press Conference to Back Somali Residents, Calls on City Leaders to Speak Out

Fargo — The Fargo Human Rights Commission on Monday convened a joint press conference with regional partners to express solidarity with Somali residents and to condemn recent dehumanizing rhetoric at the national level.

"We are here today to ... support our Somali community," said Sekou Surleaf, who opened the event and identified himself as chair. Surleaf called for investigations of any alleged fraud by individuals in Minnesota while stressing that "we cannot use the bad deeds or bad behavior of a few to smear an entire community." He later criticized Fargo city leadership for declining to issue a public statement and said, "Fargo needs leadership, not cowards."

A commission member read a prepared statement "on behalf of the Fargo Human Rights Commission," saying the commission "unequivocally condemns rhetoric" that demonizes groups and "criminalizes entire ethnic groups" or encourages hostility toward immigrants, refugees, Muslims or other protected classes. The statement singled out what the commission described as "inflammatory remarks made by President Donald Trump" and warned that such rhetoric can lead to discrimination and violence.

Several commissioners offered brief remarks in support of Somali and immigrant residents. Commissioner Kristen Nelson urged residents to challenge biases and to support immigrant-owned businesses; Commissioner Carolyn Beecraft praised the city's diversity; Commissioner Thomas Sa highlighted Somali contributions to Fargo's economy and community life.

Speakers from the Somali community described long-term residence in the Fargo'Moorhead region and said recent national rhetoric has created fear for families. A community leader who identified themself as "Ahankran" described Somali households as taxpayers, business owners and neighbors, and urged local officials to stand visibly with the community. The speaker cited local cultural events and businesses that contribute to the region's life.

Organizers said they had reached out to the mayor of Fargo and to West Fargo; according to the organizers, West Fargo declined to attend and the mayor said he was "not allowed" to issue a proclamation (organizers said no explanation was provided). The organizers also said Fargo Police told them they could not attend because participation was "political." The mayor and Fargo Police did not speak at the event and had not provided a statement during the press conference.

Reporters asked whether the Human Rights Commission would pursue a city commission resolution if the mayor would not issue a statement. Organizers said they had tried to secure a statement from city leadership and that they doubted the city commission would act; the commission indicated it will continue outreach and may assist community members who wish to press officials for action.

Organizers and community leaders listed local support organizations and services, including Global Refugee services, the Fargo Human Rights Coalition, Community Connect (an immigrant development center), We Center and Ishara, and committed to compile contact information and post a resource list on the Human Rights Commission website.

The press conference closed after a short question-and-answer period with local reporters. Organizers framed the event as a regional show of solidarity with Somali residents in Fargo, Dilworth, Moorhead and West Fargo and said they would follow up by sharing resource contacts for residents seeking assistance.

Next steps: organizers said they would assemble and publish a list of local resources and urged city leaders to explain publicly why they declined to issue a statement supporting Somali residents.