Minneapolis is bracing for a federal immigration enforcement operation targeting Somali immigrants, as tensions rise following President Donald Trump's heightened criticism of the Somali community. The operation, projected to begin soon, will focus on individuals with final orders of deportation in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area.
According to sources close to the planning, teams of immigration agents will conduct a coordinated sweep throughout the Twin Cities, raising alarms within the local community already on edge from Trump's accusations that Somalis are detrimental to society. Trump recently stated that he does not want Somali immigrants in the U.S., claiming they rely heavily on social safety programs.
Much of Minnesota's Somali population fled civil war and violence in their homeland, finding refuge in what they believed to be a supportive environment. With this operation, community leaders express fears over potential racial profiling, emphasizing that many individuals targeted will be citizens or lawful residents.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has voiced that local police will not collaborate with federal agents in this operation, insisting that it is not their role to enforce immigration laws. He warned that the operation could lead to unjust treatments and community distress, aligning with his stance against racial profiling and the violation of due process rights.
Trump's administration has repeatedly targeted the Somali community in recent months, suggesting their involvement with extremist groups and accumulating fraudulent benefits from welfare programs. This narrative has only intensified fears within the Somali community, which is predominantly made up of U.S. citizens.
Despite the administration's ongoing claims about the dangers posed by Somali immigrants, advocacy groups argue that the rhetoric unfairly demonizes an entire community based on the actions of a few. Overall, the future of many Somali families in Minnesota remains precarious as federal officials move ahead with their crackdown.
