Federal authorities are preparing for a focused operation in the state of Minnesota, expected to primarily target Somali immigrants living in the United States illegally, according to Newsweek.
The operation is expected to begin in the coming days and will target individuals with final deportation orders in the Minneapolis–St. Paul area.
Local Leaders Warn as High-Priority Immigration Operation Looms in Minnesota
The source reported that teams of immigration agents will be deployed across the region in what has been described as a “high-priority” operation, although plans remain flexible and subject to change. This move comes amid escalating rhetoric from President Donald Trump toward the Somali community in Minnesota, raising concerns among local leaders about potential discrimination or direct targeting of community members.
During an administration meeting, Trump stated: “They contribute nothing. I don’t want them in our country. Their country is bad for a reason. Your country is worthless, and we don’t want it in our country.” His comments follow conservative media claims alleging that Somali groups received funds from defrauded government programs, and that some of these funds were linked to a group associated with terrorism.
Minnesota is home to the largest Somali community in the United States, many of whom fled the civil war in East Africa. Governor Tim Walz said the state government welcomes investigations into crimes and prosecuting them, but emphasized that random targeting of immigrants is not a real solution. In a post on X, he wrote: “Launching a propaganda campaign and unjustified targeting of immigrants is not a solution to any problem.”
The operation is expected to target hundreds of individuals, according to the source, with the possibility of detaining others who are not on the target list if they are found without legal status—similar to past immigration operations. Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said the agency will not discuss “future or potential operations,” stressing that immigration enforcement is based on unlawful presence in the country, not race or ethnicity.
Minneapolis Leaders Defend Somali Community Amid Rising Fears
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey responded to the reports by expressing strong support for the Somali community, saying: “To our Somali community, we love you and we stand with you. Our commitment is firm. Minneapolis is proud to be home to the largest Somali community in the country, and they have been here for decades.”
Jelani Hussein, executive director of the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), noted that about 95% of Somalis in the state are U.S. citizens, calling the planned operation another example of the administration “demonizing the Muslim community.”
Trump’s remarks during the government meeting sparked broad criticism, especially when he said: “Somalis stole billions of dollars from this country. Billions. Every year, billions, and they contribute nothing.” Frey said: “Targeting Somalis violates due process, and mistakes will happen. It clearly means that American citizens will be detained simply for looking Somali.”
Exact details of the operation remain undisclosed, while the local community continues to follow the developments with concern, amid calls to uphold the law and protect the civil rights of minority groups.