Minneapolis officials report arrests of Somalis in immigration operation

MINNEAPOLIS Federal authorities confirmed Thursday that individuals of Somali descent were among those apprehended during a recent immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis. The arrests took place just two days after President Donald Trump made controversial remarks about immigrants from Somalia, expressing his desire for them to leave the United States.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the Minneapolis operation on Monday, though officials did not disclose the total number of arrests. They did provide details on 12 individuals detained: five from Somalia and the remainder from Mexico and El Salvador.

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin described the detainees as convicted criminals involved in offenses ranging from fraud and vehicle theft to sexual assault and driving under the influence.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, a Democrat, condemned the Presidents comments targeting the citys Somali community, which is the largest in North America. He urged the public to "love and respect" Somali immigrants living in Minnesota.

The Presidents statements about Somali immigrants, and his criticism of Minnesota politicians defending them, have received backing from his political allies. Earlier this week, during a televised cabinet meeting, he labeled some Somali immigrants as "garbage" following reports of government fraud in the community and reiterated his desire for them to be removed from the country.

Anti-immigration rhetoric has been a prominent theme in Trumps tenure, with federal authorities conducting intensified enforcement actions nationwide to increase deportation rates. Public discourse around immigration has also become increasingly severe since he took office.

Enforcement Action in New Orleans

Federal officials also reported multiple arrests in New Orleans on Thursday. On the second day of the operation there, local protesters disrupted a city council meeting, urging officials to designate city property as "ICE Free" zones to prevent federal immigration activity.

Protesters alleged that federal agents were targeting people of color, including U.S. citizens without criminal recordsa claim denied by the Department of Homeland Security. New Orleans Mayor-elect Helena Moreno said the operation had instilled fear among the citys most vulnerable populations and launched an online portal for residents to report misconduct by immigration officers.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, a Republican, expressed support for federal immigration enforcement efforts in the state.

Author: Harper Simmons