CAIR-Minnesota (CAIR-MN)

04/28/2026

CAIR-MN participated in Somali Day at the Minnesota State Capitol.

04/27/2026

Religious freedom does not end at the walls of a prison. CAIR, , and Golden Law welcomed a federal court order requiring the Bureau of Prisons to destroy all hijab-less booking photos of our client and affirming the rights of Muslim women in custody. Alhamdulillah.

04/27/2026

Religious freedom does not end at the walls of a prison. CAIR, , and Golden Law welcomed a federal court order requiring the Bureau of Prisons to destroy all hijab-less booking photos of our client and affirming the rights of Muslim women in custody. Alhamdulillah.

The case was brought on behalf of Muna Jama, a Somali-American Muslim woman who was forced to remove her hijab for booking photos and then required to carry an ID displaying the uncovered image throughout her detention.

“This decision is a significant victory—not only for Mrs. Jama, who has shown remarkable courage in standing up for her rights, but for Muslim women across the country,” said CAIR Staff Attorney Aya Beydoun. “It sends a clear message that carceral institutions cannot disregard the dignity and religious practice of those in their custody without compelling justification. Our team intends to build on this momentum, using this ruling to advocate for meaningful policy changes in facilities nationwide.”

Because of this case, the unlawful images have been replaced, and the court has now ordered that all remaining copies be permanently destroyed.

“It’s a relief" said Ms. Jama "There are still some who care about the Constitution and protecting our rights. I’m really appreciative, you cannot imagine how thankful I am for the judge, that he sees the truth. I feel like I can finally breathe.”

04/16/2026

CAIR-MN Welcomes Felony Charges for ICE Agent, Calls for Full Accountability

04/02/2026

‼️FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE‼️

CAIR-MN Statement on the Removal of U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi
​
The removal of U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi follows months of public criticism surrounding the Department of Justice and growing concern about how federal power has been exercised.

During Attorney General Bondi’s tenure, the Department of Justice faced scrutiny over its handling of sensitive materials related to the Epstein case, including concerns about whether victims’ identities were adequately protected. The department also pursued investigations into political opponents of the president, raising serious questions about the independence of federal law enforcement and the proper use of prosecutorial authority.

For civil rights organizations and immigrant communities, leadership at the Department of Justice has direct consequences. The Department of Justice plays a central role in federal prosecutions, immigration courts, and coordination with immigration enforcement agencies. During Attorney General Bondi’s tenure, Minnesota experienced one of the largest federal immigration enforcement operations in the country, bringing a heavy federal presence into our communities and raising serious civil rights concerns.

For many families in Minnesota, these decisions shape whether people feel safe reporting crimes, attending court, or participating in public life without fear. When federal enforcement actions create fear in communities, trust in the justice system suffers.

Executive Director of CAIR-MN, Jaylani Hussein, said:
"The Justice Department holds enormous power, especially over communities that already feel the weight of federal enforcement. That power must be used fairly and without political influence. When people begin to question whether the law is being applied evenly, trust breaks down. Restoring that trust will take transparency, accountability, and a clear commitment to protecting civil rights."
​
The appointment of Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche places responsibility on the department’s leadership to demonstrate independence and ensure that federal authority is exercised fairly and responsibly.

Public confidence in the justice system depends on accountability, independence, and respect for constitutional rights. Those principles must apply regardless of who holds office.

CAIR-MN will continue monitoring developments and advocating for transparency, accountability, and the protection of civil rights for all communities.

Media Contact:
Jaylani Hussein
[email protected]

​Suleiman Adan
[email protected]


CAIR-MN’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.

La misión de CAIR-MN es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.

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03/30/2026

CAIR Minnesota is growing! Check out our website at www.cairmn.org

03/30/2026

CAIR Minnesota is growing! Share widely! Send all inquiries to our Deputy Executive Director at [email protected]

03/28/2026

One thing for sure about Minnesotans! We show up!

03/26/2026

‼️For Immediate Release‼️

CAIR-MN Condemns President’s Racist Remarks Targeting Somali Americans
President Trump says Somalis are 'stupid,' 'low IQ' people from a 'disgusting country'

(MINNEAPOLIS, MN, 3/26/26) — The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN) today condemned racist remarks targeting Somali Americans and Somalia by President Donald Trump.

He falsely claimed: "In the case of Minnesota, it's very Somalia-oriented…These people come from a crooked country, disgusting country, one of the worst countries in the world…They come to our country - low IQs - and they rob us blind. Stupid people, and they rob us blind."

VIDEO: President Trump Says Somalis are 'Stupid,' 'Low IQ' People from a 'Disgusting Country' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9EVJP5An68

CAIR-MN said language that demeans an entire minority and country, and labels its people as intellectually inferior, is dangerous and contributes to an environment in which Somali Americans face increased hostility and discrimination.

“Calling an entire people ‘low IQ’ and ‘stupid’ is not just political rhetoric. It is dehumanization,” said Jaylani Hussein, Executive Director of CAIR-MN. “Somali Minnesotans are valued members of our state. They are business owners, educators, health care workers, students, and public servants who contribute every day to the strength of Minnesota.”

CAIR-MN noted that Minnesota is home to one of the largest Somali populations in the United States, and rhetoric targeting Somali people has historically been followed by increases in harassment, threats, and bias incidents directed at Muslim and immigrant communities.

“Words from national leaders carry real consequences,” said Suleiman Adan, Deputy Executive Director of CAIR-MN. “When public figures use language that portrays Somali people as inferior, it places real families, students, and workers at risk. We will continue to stand firmly against rhetoric that threatens the dignity and safety of our communities.”

CAIR-MN called on elected officials and community leaders across the country to publicly reject language that dehumanizes entire nations or peoples and to affirm the dignity of Somali Americans and all immigrant communities.

About CAIR-MN

The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN) is a civil rights and advocacy organization dedicated to enhancing understanding of Islam, protecting civil liberties, empowering American Muslims, and building coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

END
MEDIA CONTACTS:

Suleiman Adan
Deputy Executive Director, CAIR-MN
[email protected]

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03/19/2026

Eid Mubarak 🌙

Ramadan is closing, and we’re grateful.
Grateful for a community that shows up, gives, volunteers, and stands with each other.

Because of you, CAIR-MN continues to protect civil rights, support families, and build something stronger for all of us.

May this Eid bring peace, joy, and barakah to you and your loved ones.

From all of us at CAIR MINNESOTA,

EID Mubarak

03/19/2026

Judge Grants Stay and allows for case to move forward on temporary protective status TPS for Somalia

03/18/2026

CAIR-MN Welcomes Federal Court’s Temporary Halt to Termination of TPS for Somalia.