In a post on X, Frey shared a video commemorating the occasion, praising the Somali community for its contributions to Minneapolis. He wrote that the city was honoring “the resilience, culture, and leadership that continue to enrich” both Minneapolis and its residents.

In the accompanying video, Frey emphasized that Somali residents are viewed as members of the community rather than outsiders.

“Through the most difficult of times and through Operation Metro Surge, we all saw that they tried to come for some of us,” Frey said. “And, when that happens, we say that you’re coming for all of us. In Minneapolis, we love our neighbors. In Minneapolis, we do not see you as immigrants, we see you as our family.”

He continued, “You are our brothers, you are our sisters. You have done so much for this incredible city, and for that, we stand with you.”

According to Kare11 News, Somali Independence Day is observed annually on July 1, marking the day Somalia gained independence from European colonial powers and unified as a nation.

The mayor’s comments quickly drew criticism online, with several conservative commentators and independent journalists pointing to the massive Feeding Our Future fraud scandal that centered on numerous Somali-run organizations in Minnesota.

Commentator Matt Van Swol wrote on X, “The Somali community in Minnesota alone stole $250 million from federal child nutrition programs meant to feed hungry underprivileged children.”

Independent journalist Nick Sortor also criticized the mayor, asking, “Are you really too stupid to understand the Somalis simply see you as their useful idiot?”

Townhall columnist Dustin Grage took aim at Frey’s priorities, writing, “Jacob Frey’s Independence Day references. America: 4, Somalia: 10.”

Another social media user sarcastically questioned the mayor’s praise, asking, “Minnesota taxpayers, do you feel enriched?”

The controversy follows previous criticism of Frey over his outreach to the Somali community. After winning reelection in November 2025, he delivered portions of his victory speech in Somali, a move that also generated backlash.

More recently, federal authorities carried out coordinated raids at more than 20 locations across Minneapolis, including childcare centers, as part of an investigation into alleged fraud involving Somali-owned businesses.

Citizen journalist Nick Shirley has also drawn attention to the issue through videos documenting visits to several Minnesota childcare centers that reportedly received millions of dollars in federal funding. According to Shirley, many of the facilities appeared empty during his visits, with no visible signs of children despite receiving substantial government assistance.