ICE plans operation in Minnesota following Trump's focus on Somalis

US immigration agencies are reportedly preparing an operation in the Minneapolis region, aimed at the citys substantial Somali population, according to media reports. This development follows remarks by President Donald Trump during a cabinet meeting, where he criticized Minnesota's Somali community, claiming they "contribute nothing" and expressing a desire for them not to remain in the country.

City officials in Minneapolis have strongly opposed the reported action, warning that it could inadvertently affect American citizens who may have East African heritage. Mayor Jacob Frey, speaking at a press conference, stated that the planned Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation "risks violating due process."

The MinneapolisSt. Paul area, collectively known as the Twin Cities, hosts one of the largest Somali populations outside Somalia. Local estimates suggest roughly 80,000 Somali-origin residents live in the region, with the majority holding US citizenship.

The operation, expected to commence this week, reportedly involves about 100 ICE agents, according to The New York Times, which first reported on the federal deployment. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson, overseeing ICE, declined to provide details, emphasizing that enforcement actions are based on immigration status rather than race or ethnicity. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated, "ICE enforces the nation's laws daily, and targets are determined by illegal presence, not nationality."

The Trump administrations heightened immigration measures come shortly after the fatal shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, DC. The suspect in that case is an Afghan national.

During the same cabinet meeting, Trump made further remarks about Somali immigrants, suggesting they "come from hell and complain," and argued that the US should not continue accepting what he called "garbage." Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem indicated the agency may focus on visa fraud in Minnesota.

State Senator Zaynab Mohamed noted on social media that interactions between ICE and the Somali community would reveal that most residents are US citizens. Somali migrants in Minnesota largely arrived in the 1990s, fleeing decades of civil conflict in one of the worlds poorest countries.

Local leaders have condemned the plan as discriminatory and politically motivated. Democratic Governor Tim Walz criticized the proposed operation, emphasizing the need for targeted law enforcement rather than broad actions against immigrant communities. "Indiscriminately targeting immigrants is not a real solution to a problem," he said.

Author: Sophia Brooks