ICE focuses on Twin Cities after Trump's years of targeting Somalis in Minnesota. Here's what's driving the operation.

When asked about how Afghans legally residing in the United States might react to his decision to suspend visa processing for themafter the suspected National Guard shooter was identified as an Afghan nationalPresident Donald Trump shifted attention to another nation: Somalia. He told reporters on Thanksgiving Day that Afghans cant be happy and claimed that if you look at Somalia, theyre taking over Minnesota. Moments later, he clarified that the shooter had no connection to Somalia, yet he continued to direct sharp rhetoric toward Somali communities in Minneapolis in the days that followed.

In recent months, the Trump administration has intensified its nationwide deportation efforts, sending federal officers into major Democratic-led cities such as Los Angeles, Washington, DC, Chicago, Charlotte, and New Orleans. According to a federal official who spoke to CNN, a new Immigration and Customs Enforcement initiative will specifically focus on undocumented Somali immigrants living in Minneapolis and St. Paulhome to one of the countrys largest Somali populations.

Trumps renewed criticism comes amid repeated references to a $300 million fraud scheme involving Feeding Our Future, a nonprofit accused of exploiting a Covid-19 food assistance program intended to help children. Dozens of individuals charged in the case are members of Minnesotas Somali community. Prosecutors say defendants created shell companies claiming to feed thousands of children daily, then used federal funds to buy luxury property and vehicles. Over thirty defendants have pleaded guilty, while several were convicted last year, according to the Associated Press.

Days before Thanksgiving, Trump cited the scandal while announcing his intention to revoke Temporary Protected Status for Somali nationals in Minnesota. He labeled the state a center of fraudulent money laundering and alleged that Somali gangs were terrorizing residents. He demanded that Somali immigrants go back to where they came from.

Following the National Guard shooting, Trump vowed to intensify his immigration agenda, calling the incidentcommitted by an Afghan nationalthe nations greatest security threat. He accused Somali immigrants of ripping off our country and claimed Minnesota was being torn apart. He went on to portray Somalia as a nation with no laws and no military.

During a Cabinet meeting days later, Trump closed by saying he did not want Somali immigrants in the United States, referring to both the community and Representative Ilhan Omarherself a Somali immigrant representing Minnesotaas garbage who should go back to where they came from.

Trumps criticism of Minnesotas Somali community is long-standing. Omar, elected in 2018 as the first Somali American in Congress, has been a frequent target. Somalia was included in Trumps earlier travel ban, which expanded restrictions previously placed under the Obama administration on several Muslim-majority countries identified as nations of concern.

At a 2019 rally in Minneapolis, Trump questioned the rationale for resettling Somali refugees in Minnesota, claiming federal officials had ignored the consequences for schools, neighborhoods, and taxpayers. He also called Omar a disgrace.

Minnesota is home to more than 79,000 Somali residents, most of whom live in the Twin Cities, according to Minnesota Compass. Somalia first received Temporary Protected Status in 1991 following the collapse of its government. The United States officially recognized Somalias government again in 2013.

Somalia continues to hold TPS protections due to ongoing instability and armed conflict that make returning unsafe. Rep. Omar condemned Trumps announcement last week, emphasizing that many Somali families in Minnesota have put down deep rootspurchasing homes, building businesses, and contributing to the states economy.

Somalia is one of 19 nations included in Trumps expanded travel ban introduced this summer, which imposes varying levels of restrictions. Many listed countries face political turmoil or authoritarian rule, and some are controlled by groups that rose to power following years of U.S. involvement.

After the National Guard shooting, Trump pledged to reexamine all green cards issued to immigrants from the 19 countries of concern.

The ICE operation targeting undocumented Somalis in the Twin Cities remains unclear. The New York Times first reported the plan, citing internal documents. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz dismissed the proposal as a PR stunt. Local officials said they received no prior notice and reiterated that Minneapolis police would not participate in federal immigration enforcement.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey reaffirmed the citys commitment to immigrant communities, saying Minneapolis will not compromise our values. St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter echoed that residents have rights and access to legal support. City Council member Jamal Osman, a Somali immigrant, urged his community not to succumb to fear, stating that Minneapolis stands firmly behind them.