President Donald Trump has escalated criticism of Somali immigrants in the U.S., calling for many to “go back to their country and fix it.” Federal authorities are reportedly preparing for a targeted immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota, focusing on Somali individuals without legal status. At the same time, local officials express concern about potential civil rights and due-process violations.
Trump Criticizes Somali Immigrants, Pledges Federal Action
President Donald Trump on Tuesday renewed his pointed criticism of Somali immigrants, particularly those living in Minnesota, claiming they rely too heavily on U.S. social safety net programs and contribute little to the country. Speaking at the conclusion of a Cabinet meeting, President Trump expressed his belief that they contribute nothing and, as such, he doesn’t want them in the U.S.A.
The president specifically referenced Somali Americans in Minnesota, home to the largest Somali community in the United States, and pledged to end temporary legal protections for some, creating uncertainty and fear in the local immigrant population. He also repeated attacks on Representative Ilhan Omar, a Minnesota Democrat who immigrated from Somalia as a child, calling her and her allies “garbage.”
Trump’s comments follow a series of recent federal actions, including the halting of all asylum decisions in the wake of a shooting involving two National Guard members in Washington, D.C. While the shooting suspect was Afghan, Trump has used the incident to raise broader concerns about immigrants from other countries, including Somalia.
Federal Enforcement Operation in Minnesota
According to sources familiar with the planning, federal authorities are preparing an immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota that would focus on Somali immigrants living unlawfully in the U.S., particularly in the Minneapolis-St—Paul area. The sweep is expected to prioritize individuals with final deportation orders, but could include incidental arrests of others without legal status.
The operation is projected to involve teams of federal agents spreading across the Twin Cities in a directed, high-priority enforcement effort. Officials caution that details remain subject to change and that the operation will comply with existing federal enforcement priorities.
Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin emphasized that race or ethnicity does not determine who is targeted. According to her, what makes someone a target of ICE is not their race or ethnicity, but the fact that they are in the country illegally.
Community Response and Concerns
Local leaders and community advocates have expressed alarm over the president’s rhetoric and the potential operation. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey condemned the characterization of Somali residents, highlighting their contributions to local businesses, jobs, and cultural life. He also stated that city police officers, many of whom are Somali, will not assist federal agents in enforcing immigration actions, citing civil rights and due process concerns.
Somali community leaders, including Jaylani Hussein of CAIR-Minnesota, stressed that the vast majority of Somalis in the state are U.S. citizens, with estimates suggesting 95% hold citizenship and nearly half were born in the U.S. They described the federal plan and presidential statements as politically motivated and likely to create fear and pressure within the broader immigrant population.
Looking Ahead
The combination of federal enforcement planning and the president’s public statements has intensified tension in Minnesota and could set a precedent for targeted operations affecting other immigrant communities. Analysts note the potential for legal challenges and civil rights disputes, as well as increased uncertainty for asylum applicants and other vulnerable populations.
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Resources
- https://apnews.com/article/trump-somalia-immigration-afghanistan-421eaa7ff218c43ccaed3cbab8ed37f5
- https://apnews.com/article/minneapolis-st-paul-somalia-immigration-4c7468b0bdc6e23b510d4755c55b9294
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