Federal agents have arrested a dozen people in Minneapolis following an enforcement operation aimed primarily at undocumented Somali immigrants. However, reports reveal that less than half of those detained are actually Somali nationals.
According to a statement from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a total of 12 individuals were taken into custody. Among the arrested, six are Mexican nationals, five are Somali, and one from El Salvador.
Minneapolis-St. Paul, recognized for housing the largest Somali community in the United States, has now become a focus for the Trump administration's strategy on immigration, following similar operations in cities such as Chicago, Los Angeles, and Charlotte, North Carolina. Similarly, immigration officials have begun operations in New Orleans, with claims of intending to detain up to 5,000 individuals.
ICE has described those arrested as some of the “worst of the worst”—reportedly, eight individuals had prior charges or convictions for crimes including assault, fraud, and driving under the influence.
President Trump has openly criticized Somali immigrants during public speeches, labeling them negatively and attributing issues of corruption to local governance under Democratic leadership, particularly targeting Governor Tim Walz for purported failures to prevent fraud linked to government programs.
This crackdown has elicited significant criticism from local and state leaders who pledge to defend the Somali community. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey declared that city police will not take part in federal immigration enforcement efforts.
In response, Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security demanded adherence to immigration laws and accused Frey and Walz of putting citizens at risk.
