Somalis in Maine strike back after Trump's comments at rally

Published August 05, 2016

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally at Merrill Auditorium, Thursday, Aug. 4, 2016, in Portland, Maine. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) (The Associated Press)

Demonstrators with anti-Trump signs rally outside Portland City Hall, Thursday, Aug. 4, 2016, near Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump's campaign appearance at Merrill Auditorium in Portland, Maine. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola) (The Associated Press)

Somali residents of Maine say Donald Trump's characterization of their community as dangerous is unfair and could undo years of work to integrate the country's whitest state.

The Republican presidential nominee told a packed audience in Portland on Thursday that Maine is a "major destination" for Somali refugees and that they're coming from some of the "most dangerous places."

There are thousands of Somalis in Maine, concentrated in Portland and Lewiston. Portland resident and immigrant organizer Pious Ali says "an attack on one of us is an attack on all of us as a community."

Trump's appearance attracted a large, vocal group of demonstrators, including a handful of African immigrants.

Somali organizers say they will meet on City Hall's steps at 2:30 p.m. Friday to respond to Trump.

URL

https://www.foxnews.com/us/somalis-in-maine-strike-back-after-trumps-comments-at-rally