“90,000 Somalis ‘OUT BY DAWN’… as Trump’s ‘Deportation Troops’ Empty Minneapolis” — Claims Spark Panic and Outrage

A viral claim circulating across social media alleges that as many as 90,000 Somali residents in Minneapolis were ordered to leave the city “by dawn” as part of what some online posts describe as former President Donald Trump’s new “deportation troops” strategy. The alarming slogan has triggered widespread fear within immigrant communities — despite the fact that no government agency has confirmed any such operation, order, or mass-deportation directive.

According to local community leaders, panic began spreading after a series of posts claimed federal officers were preparing for immediate, large-scale removals targeting Somali Americans, one of the largest East African communities in the United States. The phrase “OUT BY DAWN,” repeated in several posts, fueled emotional reactions and prompted emergency meetings at mosques, community centers, and neighborhood associations. Many residents described the atmosphere as “fearful,” “chaotic,” and “confusing.”

Officials, however, have stated that no such mass operation exists. Legal experts have also emphasized that large-scale overnight removals of tens of thousands of people would be practically impossible, requiring resources, legal proceedings, and federal coordination far beyond any currently authorized action.

Still, the rumor struck a nerve in Minneapolis — a city with deep Somali roots and a long history of refugee resettlement. Some residents expressed concern that even unfounded claims can trigger real-world harm, including harassment, intimidation, and a breakdown of trust between immigrants and law-enforcement agencies.

Political analysts say the speed with which the claim spread reflects the hypercharged environment surrounding immigration policy and the rhetoric surrounding it. Former President Trump has repeatedly promised aggressive enforcement actions, including expansions of deportation procedures and the deployment of specialized units to identify undocumented migrants. Although these promises have not been translated into the kind of mass removal suggested by the viral posts, the tone of the messaging has made many communities feel vulnerable.

Community advocates warn that the psychological impact of such rumors can be severe. Families may avoid schools, workplaces, or medical appointments out of fear. Others may hesitate to interact with authorities, leading to invisible consequences for public safety and health. Local organizations report receiving hundreds of calls from residents asking whether they should evacuate their homes or relocate temporarily.

City officials, immigration attorneys, and civil-rights groups are urging residents to seek verified information and avoid reacting to unconfirmed online claims. Several community leaders have also stressed that U.S. law requires due process for anyone facing deportation — meaning no individual can legally be removed without hearings, documentation, and legal review.

The episode highlights a broader challenge facing diverse communities: the power of rhetoric, rumors, and political promises—real or exaggerated—to shape public emotion and behavior. Even in the absence of official action, fear itself can ripple through neighborhoods and affect tens of thousands of lives.

For many in Minneapolis, the episode has become a call for stronger communication, community reassurance, and vigilance against misinformation. Whether the rumor fades or fuels further tension will depend on how leaders, officials, and residents navigate the days ahead.