Federal immigration authorities recently stepped up operations in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, focusing on the local Somali immigrant population. This move comes amid ongoing rhetoric from President Trump, who has frequently criticized Somali residents.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) aims to identify individuals in the Twin Cities with deportation orders. As of now, the full details of this operation remain unclear.
President Trump has made several negative remarks about this community, referring to Somalis in derogatory terms and expressing his disdain in stark terms. He has claimed that they “contribute nothing” to society, a statement that has sparked outrage.
In the wake of these comments, the Trump administration halted all immigration cases involving people from Somalia and 18 other nations, including citizenship ceremonies. They are also reexamining recent green card issuances for these countries.
Last month, Trump announced plans to end the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somali immigrants, arguing without solid evidence that Somali gangs are causing problems in Minnesota. The TPS for Somalia currently lasts until March 2026, but its future is uncertain.
Trump has also pointed to a public assistance fraud scandal in Minnesota linked to some members of the Somali community, claiming that Somali immigrants have exploited the system. This claim has been met with strong backlash from local officials and community members, who describe his statements as “vile, racist lies.”
Hamse Warfa, an entrepreneur from the Somali community, spoke out against the president’s remarks, stating, “I am not garbage. I’m a proud American citizen.”
Minnesota has one of the largest Somali populations in the U.S., with around 76,000 individuals, making up over 1% of the state’s residents, according to the latest Census data. Many came to the U.S. in the 1990s due to civil war in Somalia, drawn by opportunities for safety, education, and work.
Interestingly, the majority of Somali Minnesotans are American citizens. Recent figures show that about 52% were born in the U.S., and 42% are naturalized citizens. Only around 4,000 Somali residents lack citizenship, a number that might be impacted by the potential end of TPS.
Overall, ICE’s increased operations and the Trump administration’s stance have created a tense environment for Minnesota’s Somali community. The discussions surrounding immigration policies highlight deeper issues of belonging and identity, as many strive to contribute positively to society despite facing adversity.
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