ICE arrests 12 individuals in Minneapolis during immigration operation

Federal authorities have apprehended twelve individuals in Minneapolis as part of a targeted immigration enforcement initiative this week, which primarily focused on Somali immigrants living in the United States without authorization. However, less than half of those detained were Somali.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed Thursday that of the 12 people arrested, six were Mexican nationals, five were Somali, and one was from El Salvador.

Minneapolis-St. Paul, home to the largest Somali community in the country, has become the latest city subjected to mass deportation operations, following similar efforts in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Charlotte, North Carolina. This week, immigration officials also arrived in New Orleans, with plans to detain as many as 5,000 individuals.

Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin described those arrested as among the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens, noting that eight had criminal records or charges, including assault, fraud, domestic violence, and driving under the influence.

The enforcement campaign has sparked controversy, particularly after President Donald Trump publicly criticized Somali immigrants, labeling them as unproductive. Trump also accused Minnesota Governor Tim Walz of allowing fraud in public programs that, according to conservative reports, allegedly benefited a Somali militant group.

Local leaders have strongly opposed the crackdown, pledging to safeguard the Somali community. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey stated that city police would not assist federal immigration efforts, while DHS Assistant Secretary McLaughlin criticized both Frey and Governor Walz for failing to enforce immigration laws and placing citizens at risk.

Author: Jackson Miller