Ahmed Bin Hassan, a Somali American, was on his usual Uber route in Minneapolis when he was suddenly surrounded by more than a dozen masked federal agents. He could feel their accusatory stares and hear their condescending tone as they began questioning him about his accent. He knew right away that he was being targeted because of his race and ethnicity.
The incident, which happened in November last year, has recently been brought to light by The Intercept in an article titled “They Could See My Color”: Minneapolis Uber Driver Speaks Out on Why Border Patrol Accosted Him. In the article, Ahmed Bin Hassan opens up about his experience and sheds light on the racial profiling that he and many others have to face on a daily basis.
Ahmed, a 29-year-old father of two, moved to the United States from Somalia with his family when he was just 14 years old. He has always worked hard to provide for his family and make a better life for them in their new home. He started driving for Uber two years ago and was proud of the work he was doing. Little did he know that his race and ethnicity would one day make him a target for the border patrol agents.
On that fateful day in November, Ahmed had just picked up a couple of passengers when he noticed a black SUV following him. He thought it was just a coincidence until the SUV started flashing its lights and honking the horn. Ahmed pulled over and was instantly surrounded by masked agents who demanded to see his documentation. He tried to explain that he was a citizen and showed them his ID, but they refused to believe him and continued to question him about his accent.
Ahmed couldn’t understand what was happening. He had been living in the United States for over 15 years and had never encountered such a situation before. He felt humiliated and frustrated at being treated like a criminal in his own country. The agents took him to a nearby gas station where they continued to interrogate him for over an hour before finally letting him go.
Ahmed’s story is not an isolated incident. Racial profiling and discrimination against people of color have been a long-standing issue in the United States, and it seems to have only increased under the current administration. The border patrol agents involved in this incident were acting on a directive by the Trump administration to increase immigration enforcement in major cities.
This incident has left Ahmed shaken and fearful for his safety and that of his family. He says, “They could see my color, and that’s why they targeted me.” It’s a sad reality that many people of color, especially immigrants, have to live with every day. Being treated as outsiders in their own country, constantly facing discrimination and suspicion, it takes a toll on their mental and emotional well-being.
However, Ahmed refuses to let this incident break him. He has decided to speak out about his experience to raise awareness about the discrimination faced by people of color in the United States. He believes that by sharing his story, he can help bring about change and make the country a safer and more welcoming place for all its citizens.
Ahmed’s story has sparked outrage and prompted calls for accountability from the border patrol agency. Many have expressed their support for Ahmed and others who have faced similar injustices. People from all walks of life have come together to stand in solidarity against racial profiling and discrimination.
The incident has also highlighted the importance of addressing the issue of racial bias within law enforcement agencies. It is crucial for authorities to acknowledge and address the underlying systemic issues that contribute to incidents like these. Only then can we hope for a more just and equal society.
Ahmed’s bravery in speaking out about his experience has shed light on a much larger problem that needs to be addressed. It serves as a reminder that we must continue to fight against racism and discrimination in all its forms. Because as Ahmed says, “It’s not about me; it’s about all of us.”
In conclusion, Ahmed Bin Hassan’s experience is a harsh reminder of the discrimination and racial profiling that still exists in the United States. It’s time for us to come together and work towards creating a society where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their race or ethnicity. Let’s hope that Ahmed’s voice and the voices of others who have faced similar injustices will bring about the change we so desperately need.
