Minnesota’s Somali community is preparing for a large-scale immigration enforcement operation this week. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plans to focus on migrants with final deportation orders in the Twin Cities. Local leaders and community activists worry the sweep could affect more people than those targeted.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey warned the operation could cause serious disruption. The city’s police chief predicts protests may follow as community members respond. The enforcement aims at people with final deportation orders, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
Community leaders stress they are committed to following the law. Jamal Osman, a recently reelected Minneapolis city council member, said Somali residents respect due process but are prepared for the operation. About 80,000 people of Somali descent live in Minnesota, and advocacy groups estimate that 95% are legal U.S. citizens.
ICE has already detained some community members, prompting concern among civil rights groups. Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee reports early signs that ICE is targeting individuals of East African descent. Local officials emphasize that only a small portion of the Somali population would be affected based on available data.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized Somali Minnesotans in recent weeks, calling them criminals and claiming they contribute little to society. In public remarks, he said he does not want them in the United States. His comments came shortly before ICE announced the upcoming enforcement action.
Minnesota’s Somali community has faced targeted policies before. The Trump administration included Somalia in its travel ban early in his presidency. Community members say the latest remarks are especially concerning because they directly single out Somali residents and Somali-American leaders.
Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, a Somali immigrant, was personally criticized by the president. She responded on social media, calling the president’s focus on her “creepy” and emphasizing the need for proper support and care.
Although most Somali residents in Minnesota are legal, the president threatened to end temporary protected status for around 400 members of the community. This followed unverified claims by conservative media that some local fraudsters had funneled stolen money to terror groups in Somalia. While federal investigations have begun, there is no verified evidence linking the Somali community to terrorism.
Prosecutors have charged approximately 80 Somali Americans in Minnesota with fraud. The cases involve programs for child nutrition, housing assistance, and autism care. None of the suspects face terrorism-related charges. Community advocates emphasize that these cases do not represent the broader population.
Local leaders are mobilizing to support residents. Mayor Frey, city officials, and law enforcement stress the importance of standing by Somali residents and protecting their legal rights during the upcoming enforcement action.
The Twin Cities are expected to see heightened tension this week as ICE carries out the operation. Community members are preparing for potential protests and legal challenges to ensure the rights of Somali residents are respected.