Minnesota's Somali Community Faces Uncertainty Amid Trump Administration's Immigration Actions

Fri Dec 05 2025 15:35:45 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As fears escalate following President Trump's comments on the Somali community, Minnesota residents brace for potential immigration crackdowns. Community leaders voice concerns over the impact of recent enforcement activities targeting undocumented immigrants.

In Minnesota, the Somali community is experiencing heightened anxiety after President Trump's critiques, which many perceive as threats. Advocates are preparing for increased immigration enforcement operations, worried about how these will affect families and individuals in their community. Concerns grow as discussions emerge about holding community events and the implications of the newly enlarged enforcement operations targeting undocumented residents.

Somali-Americans in Minnesota have told of their heightened fear after US President Donald Trump intensified his criticism of the community this week.

Community leaders expressed that the apprehension is palpable following Trump's remarks, in which he stated he did not want Somalis in the US, suggesting the country would go the wrong way if we keep taking in garbage.

In response to these comments, Aj Awed, the executive director of the Cedar-Riverside Community Council, indicated that being targeted by the president has left community members feeling frightened. Cedar-Riverside, which has a significant Somali population, is often referred to as Little Mogadishu.

As concerns mount, reports surfaced of law enforcement initiating an immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota, further intensifying the community's anxiety. Awed noted that the council is weighing the risks of holding an upcoming in-person annual event due to these enforcement actions.

Awed added, The people that are getting caught up in this are people who don’t speak that great of English, but who have been citizens for decades. Just because you have an accent does not make you less American. Trump’s disparaging remarks about the Somali community have fueled fears of increased scrutiny and enforcement actions against undocumented immigrants.

Additionally, it was noted that the Trump administration's end to Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somali immigrants further compounds the uncertainty for families in Minnesota. The administration's ongoing enforcement operations are set to target individuals with final deportation orders, with many community members voicing concern over their safety.

Local activist Kowsar Mohamed described visible Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in her neighborhood, worrying that many individuals could be wrongly detained or targeted unfairly during enforcement actions.

Despite the fear that has set in, community organizations are mobilizing, offering training to individuals on their rights concerning immigration enforcement, reaffirming their resilience amid heightened anxiety. Mohamed stressed, Everyone is going to be in the space of caution.

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