Federal immigration authorities confirmed Thursday that several Somali nationals were among those arrested in a targeted enforcement operation in Minneapolis, escalating tensions in the city home to North America’s largest Somali community, days after President Donald Trump branded immigrants there as “garbage”.
The Department of Homeland Security detailed profiles of 12 individuals apprehended since the operation began Monday, including five Somalis, with the remainder from Mexico and El Salvador.
Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin described the detainees as “dangerous criminals” convicted of offences ranging from fraud and vehicle theft to criminal sexual conduct and driving under the influence.
The raids follow inflammatory remarks by Trump, who during a televised cabinet meeting Tuesday reacted to reports of fraud in the community by declaring: “I want them sent back to where they came from.”
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, a Democrat, sharply rebuked the president’s language, urging Americans to “love and respect” the city’s Somali immigrant population.
“The president’s attacks on our Somali neighbours are unacceptable,” Frey said in a statement, highlighting the community’s contributions and the fear sown by the operations.
Community observers reported agents conducting home raids in south Minneapolis, with residents honking horns and shouting in protest as vehicles carrying detainees departed.
Somalis arrested in Minneapolis immigration operation, officials …
The Minneapolis action is part of broader enforcement drives under Trump’s second term, which has seen record deportation efforts by masked federal agents since January.
Similar operations unfolded in New Orleans, where dozens were arrested, prompting protests and accusations of indiscriminate targeting.
The Somali community in the Twin Cities, estimated at over 80,000 people, many of them US citizens, has faced heightened anxiety, with local leaders vowing resistance.06c0e1
Minnesota officials defend Somali community against Trump’s …
No total arrest figures for Minneapolis were released, but the focus on high-profile cases underscores the administration’s emphasis on criminal convictions to justify removals.
Critics argue the rhetoric risks inflaming divisions, while supporters praise the tough stance on immigration.
