Somali Mall in Minneapolis Sparks Debate on Assimilation

Karmel Mall in Minneapolis, described as the largest Somali mall in the world, has become a focal point for discussions on cultural assimilation among immigrant communities in the United States. The mall, which houses a variety of Somali-owned businesses and cultural spaces, recently came into focus when U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar, a Somali-American, made a public appearance there following a raid on her home.

Basim Sabri, the owner of Karmel Mall and a Gaza-born immigrant himself, provided a tour of the establishment. He characterized the mall as a "community hub" primarily for women entrepreneurs, offering a range of services including international phone services, currency exchange, travel agencies, and shops selling traditional Somali goods. The mall also features Somali barber shops, cafes, food vendors, henna tattoo parlors, and an Islamic weekend school. Sabri estimates the mall contains between 750 and 900 stores.

The mall's design includes a food court with a large Somali flag painted on the ceiling and flags of Somali, Palestinian, and American affiliations displayed on the walls. Sabri stated that the space is often used by politicians for press conferences. It was in this food court that Omar was seen having lunch with friends and supporters, including Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, after casting an early ballot in her reelection campaign.

While Sabri asserts that the mall serves as a place where Somalis learn to integrate into the broader community and "prosper," its very name, "Karmel Mall of Somalia," and the predominantly Somali culture within its walls have raised concerns about assimilation. Research from the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS) suggests that Somali immigrants in Minnesota face significant integration challenges. A CIS report indicated that over half of children in Somali-born immigrant households in Minnesota live in poverty, compared to 8% of children in native-born Minnesotan households. The report also noted that 39% of Somali-born immigrants who have resided in the U.S. for over a decade do not have a high school diploma, and 89% of Somali households receive some form of welfare.

Steven Camerota, director for research at CIS, argued that modern immigration trends, including technological advancements that facilitate constant connection with home countries and shifting societal attitudes, hinder assimilation. He pointed to the differing theories about America's identity—whether it is a democracy upholding equality or a fundamentally flawed, racist society—as potentially impacting immigrants' willingness to assimilate. Camerota also highlighted the sheer numbers of immigrants entering the U.S., reaching levels comparable to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as a factor that makes assimilation more difficult.

Sabri, who has political ties locally and nationally, has previously banned Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey from the mall premises in February 2024 after the mayor vetoed a City Council resolution calling for a Gaza ceasefire. Sabri himself served 33 months in federal prison starting in 2005 for bribing a Minneapolis public official.

Despite these challenges and criticisms, Sabri maintains that immigrants are adapting to the American dream. "My experience is that Somalis are very, very intelligent and extremely hard-working people," he said, extending an invitation for anyone to visit the mall and witness the successful businesses and individuals thriving there.