Trump Administration, ICE Targeting Somalis in Minneapolis — Community on Edge

The Somali community in Minneapolis is sounding the alarm after reports surfaced that the Trump administration has directed federal immigration authorities to intensify enforcement actions specifically targeting Somali immigrants in the Twin Cities region. The move has sparked fear, outrage, and widespread condemnation from local leaders, who warn the crackdown could lead to racial profiling and civil-rights violations.

According to officials familiar with the operation, ICE agents have been deployed throughout Minneapolis and Saint Paul, with a focus on identifying individuals with expired visas, pending deportation orders, or unresolved immigration cases. But Somali community leaders argue that the scale and tone of the operation suggest it may extend far beyond individuals with legal issues.

Tensions escalated after statements attributed to President Trump included harsh criticism of Somali immigrants, which many residents interpreted as an ideological justification for broad and aggressive enforcement. Local officials say those remarks have heightened community anxiety, especially for Somali Americans who are lawful permanent residents or U.S. citizens.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey issued a strong response, reassuring Somali residents that the city stands firmly behind them. He criticized the targeting of an entire ethnic group as dangerous and unjust, warning that such actions risk sweeping up innocent people. Frey emphasized that city police will not assist in immigration enforcement and will not inquire about immigration status during routine interactions.

City Council members, including several Somali Americans, echoed that message. They described the federal actions as an intimidation campaign aimed at a community that has long been an integral part of Minnesota’s cultural and economic fabric. Many expressed fear that the operation could tear families apart and deepen divisions between immigrant communities and federal authorities.

Within Somali neighborhoods, the atmosphere has become tense. Families are avoiding unnecessary travel, businesses have seen fewer customers, and community centers report that many individuals are afraid to attend public gatherings. Legal aid organizations say they have received a surge of calls from residents seeking advice, even those who hold citizenship or permanent residency.

Many Somalis in Minneapolis have lived in the United States for decades, having fled civil conflict or humanitarian crises in their home country. Over the years, they have built thriving communities, founded businesses, and contributed significantly to the local economy. Community leaders argue that painting such a diverse group with a broad brush based on isolated cases of wrongdoing is both unfair and dangerous.

Civil-rights advocates warn that large-scale immigration operations, especially those perceived as targeting a specific nationality or ethnicity, risk violating constitutional protections. They argue that even lawful residents could be caught in the dragnet simply because of their appearance or cultural background.

Federal officials maintain that the operation is focused solely on individuals with unresolved immigration cases. But the lack of transparency — combined with heated political rhetoric — has left the community doubtful and anxious.

As the situation unfolds, Minneapolis leaders continue to call for calm while urging federal authorities to reconsider the scale and nature of the enforcement actions. For the Somali community, the coming weeks may determine whether these operations represent routine immigration enforcement or a turning point in the relationship between federal authorities and one of the nation’s largest Somali populations.