Washington (Kaab TV/Onkod Radio) — U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that his administration would pursue efforts to revoke the citizenship of American citizens who were originally immigrants if they are found guilty of fraud-related crimes. In his remarks, the president specifically referenced immigrants “from Somalia or anywhere else,” a statement that has drawn attention and criticism from immigrant advocacy groups.
President Trump made the comments while speaking at an event organized by the Detroit Economic Club, where he addressed economic policy, government spending, and immigration enforcement. He stated that individuals convicted of fraud would face prison sentences and eventual deportation from the United States.
“If you come to the United States to defraud the American people, we will put you in jail, and then we will send you back to where you came from,” Trump said, prompting applause from some members of the audience.
The president’s remarks come as his administration continues to intensify its rhetoric and policy positions regarding alleged corruption and fraud within government-funded social programs.
Trump has repeatedly claimed that certain federal assistance programs—particularly those related to child care support and subsidized food programs—have been exploited through large-scale fraud schemes. During his speech, he specifically mentioned the state of Minnesota, which is home to a significant population of Somali Americans. The Twin Cities metropolitan area, in particular, hosts the largest Somali community in the United States.
Federal and state authorities are currently conducting investigations into these allegations. However, as of now, no comprehensive or conclusive official findings have been released to substantiate the full scope of the claims being made. Despite the ongoing nature of these investigations, the Trump administration has already announced steps to suspend portions of federal funding allocated to child care assistance programs in five states.
The affected states—California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, and New York—are all led by Democratic administrations. In response to the funding suspension, these states have filed a lawsuit in federal court, arguing that the administration’s actions violate federal law and exceed executive authority. They contend that the funding cuts would harm vulnerable families and children who rely on these programs for basic support.
Last week, a federal judge issued a temporary order blocking the administration’s decision, allowing the funds to continue while the case proceeds through the courts. The ruling does not resolve the dispute but pauses the enforcement of the funding cuts until a full legal review can be conducted.
President Trump has frequently relied on claims of widespread fraud and criminal activity by immigrants as justification for tightening immigration policies and strengthening enforcement measures. Critics argue that such statements are often based on unproven or exaggerated allegations and unfairly target immigrant communities, contributing to stigma and fear.
Numerous academic studies and law enforcement analyses have found that immigrants, as a group, are generally less likely to commit violent crimes than individuals born in the United States.
The debate over immigration, citizenship, and government accountability continues to be a central and polarizing issue in American politics, with Trump’s latest comments further intensifying national discussion and concern among immigrant communities.