Officials in Tukwila issued a joint statement on Monday, Dec. 29, 2025 denouncing recent remarks by President Donald Trump about Somali Americans and reaffirming the city’s long standing support for its Somali community.

In a statement released by the City of Tukwila, Mayor Thomas McLeod and members of the City Council said they were “deeply disappointed and disturbed” by what they described as hateful and divisive comments made by Trump about Somali Americans living in Minnesota.

The statement notes that Tukwila and South King County began welcoming Somali refugees more than 30 years ago, with many fleeing famine, war and instability in search of safety and opportunity in the United States.

“To our Somali community: Tukwila welcomes you and has always had a place for you,” the statement reads. “You enrich our community. You are our neighbors, our friends, our family, and part of our business community.”

City leaders highlighted the role Somali residents play in civic and economic life, noting their involvement as entrepreneurs, workers, volunteers and community leaders, including service on the Tukwila City Council and on city boards and commissions.

“Tukwila’s Somali community is deeply woven into the fabric of Tukwila,” the statement says. “They are us.”

The mayor and council said that rhetoric targeting immigrants and Muslims must be rejected.

“In moments like this, we must denounce xenophobic, Islamophobic, and inflammatory language from all sources; it is inaccurate and harmful rhetoric,” the statement says.

City officials said Tukwila will continue to stand with Somali residents and emphasized a commitment to respect and compassion.

“We continue to believe that respect and compassion ultimately prevail, and Tukwila will be a community to support and stand by our Somali neighbors, friends, and colleagues,” the statement concludes.

The statement was signed by McLeod and Councilmembers Mohamed Abdi, Armen Papyan, Dennis Martinez, Hannah Hedrick, Joe Torres Camacho and Jane Ho.

City officials also shared resources for residents experiencing hate or bias. Those facing an active emergency were urged to call 911. Hate incidents can be reported to the Washington State Non Emergency Hate Crimes and Bias Incidents Hotline at 1 855 225 1010.

Here’s the full statement:

“Over 30 years ago, the City of Tukwila and South King County began welcoming Somali refugees to our community. Many were fleeing famine, war, and instability and like so many people around the world, looked to the United States for safety and a place to begin their American journey. Tukwila became that place for many.

“We were deeply disappointed and disturbed by President Trump’s recent hateful and divisive remarks about Somali Americans living in Minnesota.

“To our Somali community: Tukwila welcomes you and has always had a place for you. You enrich our community. You are our neighbors, our friends, our family, and part of our business community. Members of the Somali community are active in civic life as entrepreneurs, workers, community leaders, volunteers as well as serving on the Tukwila City Council, Boards and Commissions. Tukwila’s Somali community is deeply woven into the fabric of Tukwila. They are us!

“In moments like this, we must denounce xenophobic, Islamophobic, and inflammatory language from all sources; it is inaccurate and harmful rhetoric.

“We continue to believe that respect and compassion ultimately prevail, and Tukwila will be a community to support and stand by our Somali neighbors, friends, and colleagues.

“If you are experiencing an active emergency or are in immediate danger, please call 911.
To report hate and get support, call the Washington State Non-Emergency Hate Crimes & Bias Incidents Hotline 1-855-225-1010.

— “Mayor Thomas McLeod, Councilmember Mohamed Abdi, Councilmember Armen Papyan, Councilmember Dennis Martinez, Councilmember Hannah Hedrick, Councilmember Joe Torres Camacho, and Councilmember Jane Ho“