Fearful Somali Americans, mostly U.S. citizens, concerned about Trump's immigration policies

MINNEAPOLIS Residents of Minnesotas Somali community, including U.S. citizens, are expressing anxiety following an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation in the area, along with President Donald Trumps critical statements about Somali immigrants in the United States.

People arent leaving their homes at the moment, said a 21-year-old Minnesota native of Somali descent, requesting anonymity due to safety concerns. They have nothing to run from. They are citizens and have lived here for many years.

Karmel Mall, a center for Somali-owned businesses and restaurants in Minneapolis, was notably quieter on Thursday, with many shops closed and some displaying signs reading No ICE.

Although a senior law enforcement official stated that ICE is not specifically targeting Somali immigrants, the operation coincided with Trumps comments on Wednesday, claiming Somalis had negatively impacted Minnesota and the country. His remarks followed reports of several Somali individuals convicted in Covid relief fraud schemes totaling over $1 billion.

Imam Hassan Jama, executive director of the Islamic Association of North America, emphasized that the actions of a few should never define an entire community, adding that most Somali Americans in Minnesota are dedicated, hardworking, and contribute positively to society.

Trump also directed disparaging comments at Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., who fled Somalia during the civil war and lived in a Kenyan refugee camp before becoming a U.S. citizen. During his remarks, he labeled her with derogatory terms. Omar responded on social media, calling his focus on her creepy and suggesting he needs help.

According to census data, the United States has over 98,000 Somali immigrants, with approximately 83% being naturalized citizens. In Minnesota, the majority of the 80,000 Somali residents are U.S. citizens, and nearly 60% were born in the country or hold permanent residency.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian OHara noted that ICE arrests have increased locally over the past month, mainly involving the Latino community. However, community concerns about Somali targeting surfaced over the Thanksgiving weekend. OHara advised residents to call 911 if confronted by individuals claiming to be law enforcement without proper identification or marked vehicles.

City Council member Jamal Osman, originally from Somalia, recommended that Somali residents carry their passports as a precaution. It feels reminiscent of past eras of fear, Osman stated.

Community members have reported sightings of ICE agents and incidents of Somali detentions during the operation, confirmed by law enforcement sources. The Department of Homeland Security announced that the arrests focused on individuals with serious criminal records, including child sex offenders, domestic abusers, and gang members. Among the 12 people arrested, five were Somali, one was from El Salvador, and the remaining were from Mexico.

DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin reassured that law-abiding citizens have nothing to fear, emphasizing that removing dangerous criminals enhances safety for everyone, including local business owners and their customers.

Minnesota has become home to the largest Somali population in the U.S., with many refugees arriving since 1993 due to conflict and instability in Somalia. Over the past five years, around 9,000 Somali refugees have entered the country, with many later obtaining green cards and citizenship.

Zakaria Abukar, a Somali-born entrepreneur in Minnesota, highlighted that most arrivals followed legal immigration channels. Recent policy changes under the Trump administration, including halts on applications from 19 designated high risk countries and reviews of existing green cards, have heightened feelings of persecution among Somali Americans.

We feel hunted, Osman said. This is unacceptable.

Analysis: Impact of ICE Operations on Minnesota's Somali Community

The recent ICE operation in Minnesota has raised significant concerns within the state's Somali community, leading to increased anxiety and fear, especially among U.S. citizens. Despite official statements indicating that the operation was not focused specifically on Somali immigrants, the timing of these actions, coinciding with President Trump's critical remarks about Somalis, has amplified existing tensions.

It is essential to recognize that the vast majority of Minnesota's Somali residents are U.S. citizens, with a high percentage born in the United States or holding permanent residency. These are individuals who have lived in the state for years and have contributed to its economy and culture. The fears expressed by members of the community—fears of persecution, racial profiling, and unwarranted detentions—cannot be dismissed as unfounded. Community leaders, such as Imam Hassan Jama, emphasize that the actions of a few individuals should never be used to define an entire community.

The increase in ICE arrests, particularly in the Latino community over the past month, as reported by Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara, has heightened concerns about potential overreach and discrimination. The community's apprehension is further compounded by Trump's rhetoric, which has often targeted Somali immigrants and specific political figures like Rep. Ilhan Omar. This rhetoric, combined with recent policy changes under the Trump administration, has made many Somali Americans feel vulnerable and marginalized.

Ultimately, the situation underscores the need for broader conversations about immigration policy, community safety, and the importance of preserving the rights of U.S. citizens, regardless of their ethnic background. For Minnesota's Somali residents, it is a time of uncertainty—one that demands understanding, empathy, and a commitment to upholding the values of inclusion and justice.

Sources:

• Many Somali Americans, most of them U.S. citizens, are fearful of Trump's immigration policies