OLYMPIA — The Washington State Senate Members of Color Caucus (MOCC) strongly condemns the latest barrage of hateful, racist, and dehumanizing remarks from President Donald Trump targeting Somali immigrants and Somali American communities. His comments — calling human beings “garbage,” telling families to “go back to where they came from,” and denying the legitimacy of an entire nation — are morally reprehensible and pose a direct threat to the safety and dignity of people who call Washington home.
These remarks are not isolated. They are part of a long, dangerous pattern of using racism as a political weapon, now paired with expanded federal enforcement actions that terrorize immigrant neighborhoods, separate families, and sow fear in communities that already face disproportionate scrutiny.
Washington is home to one of the largest Somali communities in the country. Somali Washingtonians are small-business owners, caregivers, engineers, organizers, students, and parents. They are our neighbors, friends, and coworkers. They are also integral to our economy and leaders in our mosques, schools, and civic institutions. They deserve to live freely and safely, just like everyone else.
The Members of Color Caucus rejects any attempt to devalue Somali communities or any immigrant or refugee population. Regardless of who is president, Washington state will not be bullied into abandoning its values of inclusion, dignity, and respect.
As lawmakers, we have acted — and will continue to act — to push back against xenophobic federal overreach. We have advanced policies that protect workers and safeguard families from discriminatory enforcement. We have passed the Keep Washington Working Act, expanded access to paid sick leave for immigration proceedings, supported anti-hate crime reporting and victim services, and advanced community safety initiatives across Washington.
In the upcoming 2026 legislative session, we will pursue additional protections to ensure Washingtonians receive advance notice when federal authorities attempt to use workplace audits to intimidate workers and to restrict the misuse of surveillance technologies that expose communities to discriminatory enforcement.
The Members of Color Caucus stands firmly with the Somali community and all communities of color. We will continue to advocate, fight, and use every tool available to defend the people we serve.
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