President Donald Trump announced Friday that he is ending temporary legal protections for Somali migrants in Minnesota. The move targets a program that limits deportations and that his administration has tried to weaken before.
Minnesota hosts the largest Somali community in the United States. Many migrants arrived after fleeing the long civil war in Somalia. They were drawn by the state’s social programs and support systems.
Trump’s announcement may affect a relatively small number of people. A congressional report from August found that only 705 Somali migrants nationwide were covered by the Temporary Protective Status (TPS) program.
TPS was created by Congress in 1990. It shields people from deportation when their home countries face civil war, natural disasters, or other dangers. The Homeland Security secretary grants TPS in 18-month periods.
The president shared his decision on social media. He described Minnesota as “a hub of fraudulent money laundering activity.” He wrote that Somali gangs were terrorizing residents and claimed billions of dollars were missing. Trump called for the migrants to be sent back to Somalia.
The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations responded quickly. Executive Director Jaylani Hussein said the decision “will tear families apart.” He described it as a political attack driven by “Islamophobic and hateful rhetoric.”
During his campaign last year, Trump promised to deport millions of people. His administration has pushed for stricter immigration policies, targeting programs that allow immigrants to live and work legally in the U.S.
This is not the first time TPS protections have been cut. The Trump administration ended protections for 600,000 Venezuelans and 500,000 Haitians. It also tried to limit protections for migrants from Cuba and Syria.
Many Somali migrants have lived in Minnesota for decades. They contribute to the local economy and take part in social and cultural programs. Community leaders worry the move could separate families and harm children who are U.S. citizens.
Legal experts note that ending TPS could lead to deportation proceedings for those affected. Lawyers are reviewing the announcement to see if legal challenges are possible. TPS can sometimes be extended or reinstated through court orders or legislative action.
Human rights advocates say the decision sends a troubling signal to other immigrant communities. They argue that it could fuel fear and discrimination against Muslims and Somalis in the U.S.
Trump’s announcement continues his administration’s broader hardline approach to immigration. By reducing protections and ending temporary statuses, the administration aims to restrict the number of migrants living legally in the country.
The Somali community in Minnesota has expressed shock and concern. Many families are unsure about their futures. Local organizations are mobilizing to provide legal help and social support for those affected.
The number of Somali migrants directly impacted is small, but the political and social implications are significant. Experts say this action may influence national discussions on immigration, refugee protections, and the treatment of minority communities.
