Homan: ICE focusing on Minneapolis, St. Paul due to criminal behavior

Border official Tom Homan stated on Tuesday that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is increasing its operations in Minneapolis and St. Paul, citing a rise in criminal activities in the region. In a Fox News interview on The Ingraham Angle, Homan explained, Operations in the Twin Cities have revealed significant criminal activity, which has heightened the priority of these locations.

He emphasized that ICE's focus is firmly on the Twin Cities, adding, The attention is there. Its coming. I cannot disclose the number of personnel deployed that is up to the Secretary of Homeland Security but the concentration is on these cities due to findings by the Justice and Homeland Security departments.

This announcement coincides with reports suggesting that the Trump administration is preparing a targeted immigration enforcement initiative in Minnesota, primarily affecting the Somali community residing in the country without authorization. President Trump has recently intensified his rhetoric against the Somali community, including attacks on Representative Ilhan Omar, who fled Somalia as a child and later became a U.S. citizen.

The focus on the Somali population follows resurfaced claims by a conservative media outlet alleging that misappropriated federal funds have been funneled to al-Shabab, an al Qaeda-linked group. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated Monday that the allegations are under investigation.

Federal authorities have prosecuted numerous individuals in Minnesota for what local media describe as the nations largest pandemic relief fraud. According to The New York Times, of the 86 individuals charged in cases involving meals, housing, and autism therapy fraud, 78 are of Somali descent. However, no terrorism-related charges have been filed, according to the Minnesota Reformer.

Some Minnesota officials have voiced concerns over the administrations specific focus on the Somali community. Governor Tim Walz criticized the approach but stressed that anyone committing fraud should face legal consequences. Demonizing an entire population while making false claims about our states safety is unacceptable, he said.

Senator Amy Klobuchar also condemned the targeting, highlighting the absurdity of associating crimes committed by individuals abroad with the Somali community in Minnesota. She noted that Minnesota remains a strong economic state with low unemployment, countering claims of widespread insecurity.

The ICE operations are now closely watched, as the situation unfolds amid ongoing debates about immigration enforcement and community impact in the Twin Cities.

Author: Riley Thompson