Trans Minnesota State Rep Says Illegal Immigrants Needed Because ‘White People’ are Incapable of Building Anything, Sparks Outrage

A Minnesota state representative sparked significant backlash after asserting that illegal immigrants are essential to the U.S. economy because “white people” lack the ability to build new businesses or develop communities. 

During a House floor speech on Monday, Rep. Leigh Finke (D-MN), a trans-identifying man, made the remarks as part of an argument advocating for increased immigration to address labor shortages in the state.

“We have worked so hard to become a magnet for people from foreign countries,” Finke said. “We are desperate to be a magnet for people from foreign countries.”

“Do you want to solve your labor shortages? Do you want to grow the economy? Do you want to see more businesses created that develop the future of Minnesota’s communities?”

He continued, “Do you know who does that work? It ain’t white people from the U.S. I’m sorry. Our track record on building new things in this country … it ain’t whites. It’s people from other countries.”

The comments drew swift and widespread criticism. 

Many opponents accused Finke of unfairly disparaging white Americans, while others questioned the implications of his remarks given that many local businesses and infrastructure have been built by white citizens.

Finke’s remarks come amid a broader national debate on immigration policy, economic growth and workforce development. 

Advocates for open immigration often point to the contributions of illegal immigrant communities in fueling innovation and entrepreneurship. 

However, Finke’s blunt framing of the issue in racial terms has intensified the controversy.

Finke’s political career has been marked by other contentious actions and statements, according to BizPac Review. 

In 2023, he introduced legislation that amended Minnesota’s legal definition of “sexual orientation” by removing language that explicitly excluded pedophilia. 

The original statute stated that “‘Sexual orientation’ does not include a physical or sexual attachment to children by an adult.” 

Critics alleged the bill aimed to grant protected status to pedophiles.

Finke denied such accusations, emphasizing that “Nothing in the bill changes or weakens any crimes against children, or the state’s ability to prosecute those who break the law.” 

He added, “Of course, pedophilia is not a sexual orientation, which is why the language never should have been included in the statutory definition in the first place.”

Despite the backlash, the bill was signed into law by Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on May 19, 2023.

In addition to legislative controversies, Finke has faced allegations of aggressive conduct toward fellow lawmakers. 

State Rep. Dawn Gillman, a Republican, accused him of verbally intimidating her on the House floor after she shared a tweet from the group Gays Against Groomers on social media.

Gillman told Alpha News, “My interaction on Wednesday evening with Rep. Finke left me shaken and fearing for my personal safety. Instead of coming to talk to me, I was yelled at and intimidated on the House Floor.”

Elected in 2022, Finke has consistently drawn attention for his outspoken and divisive approach to politics, both in legislative initiatives and public commentary.

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