A wave of frustration erupted online last week, fueled by a viral TikTok video from a Vietnamese immigrant named Derek Phan. His impassioned rant targeted Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and expressed deep concern over what he perceived as preferential treatment towards the Somali community.
Phan’s outburst stemmed from a scandal involving the alleged misuse of $250 million in COVID-19 relief funds. Reports indicate a significant portion of this money, intended to feed children, was fraudulently claimed by members of the Somali community and allegedly sent overseas.
The scale of the alleged fraud is staggering, with an estimated 80% of the stolen funds remaining unrecovered. Whistleblowers within the Minnesota Department of Human Services have accused the state’s governor of actively suppressing investigations into the matter, even retaliating against those who raised concerns.
Adding to the controversy, Representative Ilhan Omar has come under scrutiny for her connections to individuals and businesses implicated in the fraud. Evidence suggests she attended events hosted by a restaurant involved in the scheme and had personal ties to a convicted owner.
Phan’s video directly confronted Mayor Frey, accusing him of excessive pandering to the Somali community, seemingly as a reaction to past criticisms. He pointedly questioned the necessity of Frey learning to speak Somali and offering apologies on behalf of the community.
In his TikTok, Phan contrasted the experience of Vietnamese immigrants with that of the Somali community. Despite arriving in the United States in smaller numbers and within a shorter timeframe, Vietnamese Americans have demonstrably thrived, establishing themselves as business owners, doctors, engineers, and scientists.
He emphasized that the Vietnamese community has never demanded special accommodations or insisted others learn their language. Instead, they focused on hard work and integration, contributing significantly to American society.
“When the fk did we have to bow down to certain communities?” Phan demanded in the video, his voice filled with emotion. “We give back to this country more than we take. We have never asked anyone to bow down or speak our language.”
His closing remarks were particularly pointed, directly addressing Mayor Frey’s actions. Phan questioned why the mayor felt compelled to speak Somali and apologize for what he termed “crooked-a pirates,” expressing disbelief at the perceived shift in priorities.
The video resonated with many, sparking a broader conversation about fairness, accountability, and the responsibilities of both immigrants and elected officials. It highlighted a growing sense of frustration among some regarding perceived disparities in treatment and the handling of alleged fraud.
