ICE to focus on Somalis in Minneapolis-St. Paul region

Dec. 2 (UPI) -- Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are focusing efforts on the Somali population in the Minneapolis-St. Paul region following reports of extensive fraud targeting state aid programs. This operation follows President Donald Trump's recent announcement that he is terminating temporary protected status for Somalis in Minneapolis, according to reports from The New York Times, CNN, and KMSP.

The ICE initiative is set to begin this week and will primarily target Somalis with final deportation orders, though some who have applied for legal residency may also face detention pending removal. The operation will involve around 100 ICE officers and other federal personnel organized into strike teams.

Local officials in the Twin Cities held a press conference on Tuesday to respond to the anticipated ICE deployment, stating they had not been notified in advance. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey assured the Somali community of the city's support, stating, "We stand with you." He emphasized that Minneapolis, home to the nation's largest Somali community, will not have police participation in the ICE action. St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter echoed these sentiments, noting, "Federal agents coming into our city will only create disruption."

Tricia McLaughlin, a Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman, told The New York Times that the purpose of the surge is to combat illegal immigration. "ICE targets individuals based on their immigration status, not ethnicity," she said.

Recent reports indicate that dozens of Somali migrants have been implicated in fraud cases involving fictitious businesses that billed Minnesota agencies for over $1 billion in services for children that were never delivered. Federal authorities confirmed that 59 individuals have already been convicted in connection with these schemes.

During a Cabinet meeting, President Trump reiterated his stance against Somali immigrants remaining in the U.S., criticizing Representative Ilhan Omar and other Somali nationals. Somalia was also included in a newly enforced travel ban affecting 19 countries. Meanwhile, preparations for similar ICE operations are reportedly underway in New Orleans.

Author: Sophia Brooks