MINNEAPOLIS — Federal authorities are gearing up for a targeted immigration enforcement initiative in Minnesota, concentrating particularly on undocumented Somali immigrants, according to sources involved in the planning. This operation comes amid increasingly hostile rhetoric from President Trump regarding the state's Somali population.
The operation is expected to launch soon, specifically focusing on individuals within the Minneapolis–St. Paul area who have final deportation orders. Immigration officials plan to deploy teams across the Twin Cities in what is described as a 'high-priority sweep.' However, these plans are subject to change.
The anticipated crackdown could exacerbate tensions already present in Minnesota, where Trump has made recent comments suggesting that Somali immigrants 'have caused a lot of trouble.' Local leaders argue that this rhetoric has intensified fear and prompted concerns about ethnic profiling.
Trump recently made statements during a Cabinet meeting declaring that he did not want Somali immigrants in the country, citing their reliance on social welfare programs and suggesting they contribute little to society.
Minnesota hosts the largest Somali community in the U.S., attracting many who fled violence in their native country. Eager for safety and better prospects, they were drawn to Minnesota’s welcoming social programs.
Sources indicate that hundreds could be affected by this operation. Previous enforcement actions have included incidental arrests, meaning that those who are not specifically targeted could also be detained if they are found to lack legal status while immigrant agents are on-site.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey stated that local police, many of whom belong to the Somali community, will not assist federal immigration agents, emphasizing that their involvement could lead to violations of due process.
Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin remarked that while the agency does not discuss specific operations, it routinely enforces immigration laws regardless of race or ethnicity. Nevertheless, the Trump administration's focus on Somali immigrants has led to significant community worry.
Critics of the administration, including Minnesota's governor, have expressed that this targeted approach unfairly demonizes the Somali community as a whole, particularly amid allegations that funds from government programs have supported extremist groups.
While reports of recent arrests among Somali immigrants in Minnesota have surfaced, local leaders assert that a vast majority of the community consists of U.S. citizens, and they decry the ongoing political rhetoric as a public attack against their community.
