Federal agents have arrested a dozen people in Minneapolis since launching an enforcement operation this week primarily focused on Somali immigrants living unlawfully in the U.S., but fewer than half of those detained are Somali.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) stated that out of the twelve arrests, six individuals are Mexican nationals, five are from Somalia, and one hails from El Salvador.
The Minneapolis-St. Paul area, home to the largest Somali community in the U.S., has become a new focal point for immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, which has previously conducted similar operations in cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, and Charlotte. Recently, immigration authorities have also targeted New Orleans, indicating they plan to arrest hundreds of individuals there.
ICE claimed that those arrested were among the 'worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens,' asserting that eight of them had faced charges or convictions for serious crimes such as assault and fraud.
President Trump has publicly criticized Somali immigrants, labeling them as 'garbage' and suggesting they contribute nothing to society. His comments have heightened tensions, especially as he blames local leaders like Democratic Governor Tim Walz for allowing government fraud to proliferate.
This crackdown has drawn sharp criticism from local and state officials who defend the Somali community and underscore their commitment to protect them. Mayor Jacob Frey announced that city police would not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement efforts.
In retort, Homeland Security officials have accused Mayor Frey and Governor Walz of undermining immigration laws and jeopardizing public safety.
