Latest news with #HassanenMohamed
CBS News
13-06-2025
- CBS News
Somali community members gather around Twin Cities to find ways to save youth from violence
In the span of two weeks, the Twin Cities saw gunfire at two high school graduation ceremonies and a north metro mall. Police say a common thread ties all three cases together: young people in the Somali community. Community members held meetings across the metro in response to a wave of violence that has left the Somali community shaken and ready for solutions. The main question on everyone's mind: How do we save the youth from this violence? Thursday evening, a 15-year-old was arrested in connection with the shooting last week outside the Northtown Mall in Blaine that left a 15-year-old boy dead. A 20-year-old man is charged with aiding an offender to avoid arrest. This disturbing pattern is forcing community conversations in mosques, schools and homes. "We don't want these things to continue – it has to stop," said Ibrahim Mohamed, Community Resource Center Executive Director. Dr. Salma Hussein believes change begins with mentorship in a time when violence is rising and resources are missing. "[We have to] teach young men that self-defense can look like and should look like asking for help, can and should look like sitting done for mediation," she said. This mobilization isn't new to the community. In 2023, it was fireworks that caused fear on the University of Minnesota campus. The presence of Somali leaders like Hassanen Mohamed made an impact. Hassanen runs Minnesota Somali Community Center, a nonprofit that provides mentorship and support to Somali youth. He answered the call when chaos erupted once before and is ready to step in and save lives now. "Some of the youth, we knew who their parents are, and we called them," Mohamed said. "What worked in Dinkytown can work in Burnsville or large gatherings." Mohamed believes the solution isn't more policing but rather safe spaces and community leaders engaging with young people. "Can you imagine if we had youth centers that they can come and hang out, learn about values and be connected to mentors," he said. "If you need help, please connect with faith leaders." Police have pointed to gang affiliations in the shooting outside the Burnsville High School graduation, but community members don't think the violence is organized. One community leader told WCCO these community conversations will continue across the metro. The current focus being keeping the peace during Fourth of July
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Twin Cities Somali community leader speaks about Trump travel ban
The Brief President Donald Trump's travel ban goes into effect Monday. 12 countries are on the list, including Somalia. Minnesota is home to more than 86,000 Somali immigrants. Foreign nationals who have been granted immigration or travel visas will be exempt from the ban. (FOX 9) - President Donald Trump's travel ban will go into effect Monday, and 12 countries are on the list, including Somalia. Minnesota is home to more than 86,000 Somali immigrants. One Twin Cities Somali community leader says he's not surprised by Trump's travel ban. What we know On Wednesday, President Trump put a travel ban in place, citing national security concerns. The Trump Administration says the countries in the ban don't have secure systems to screen people for passports or visas. And that a number of people stay in the U.S. past their visa's expiration. What they're saying "There is fear, there is disappointment, there is and mostly will be felt for those who are way back, who are waiting to be resettled here and in other countries. You know because they are the ones who have been in line. They have been vetted. They have been fingerprinted. They are ready to move here, but there's been delays because of such executive actions," said Hassanen Mohamed, the Executive Director of Minnesota Somali Community Center. What's next Foreign nationals who have been granted immigration or travel visas will be exempt from the ban. President Trump issued a travel ban during his first term. And just like eight years ago, legal challenges are expected. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld that first travel ban, ruling that presidents do have substantial power to regulate immigration.
