'The fear is tangible': Minnesota's Somali community prepares for immigration crackdown

Somali-Americans in Minnesota are reporting rising levels of fear following sharp criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump this week. Local leaders describe the mood as "tense and apprehensive," especially after Trump's statements expressing that he does not want Somalis in the United States, calling continued immigration from the community "a mistake."

"Being singled out by the president creates a deep sense of unease," said Aj Awed, executive director of the Cedar-Riverside Community Council, representing the Minneapolis neighborhood often referred to as Little Mogadishu due to its large Somali population.

Concern has also grown after reports emerged that federal authorities have begun a targeted enforcement operation in Minnesota aimed at undocumented immigrants. Awed explained that the council is reconsidering whether to hold its upcoming annual event in-person because of the ongoing enforcement actions. "Many of those affected have limited English but have lived here as citizens for decades. An accent does not make someone less American," he said.

Trump's remarks at the White House on Tuesday included disparaging comments about the Somali community, stating that their country of origin is "no good" and implying that their presence in the U.S. is problematic. Awed criticized the president's language as "dangerous" and "unbefitting of the office," arguing that it unfairly targets Americans based on their background.

The statements came in response to questions about Democratic Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and alleged fraud in a state social assistance program during the COVID-19 pandemic. Several Somali immigrants were implicated in a charity fraud scheme that cost the state millions, though the accused represent only a small fraction of Minnesota's large Somali population. Trump has repeatedly linked the community to financial wrongdoing, calling the state a "hub of fraudulent activity" and claiming that hundreds of thousands of Somalis were defrauding the country.

The House Oversight Committee announced a formal inquiry into Walzs handling of the program, and the Trump administration said it was investigating claims that state funds were being funneled to al-Shabab, a Somali-based Islamist group. Governor Walz cautioned against painting the entire community with the same brush, emphasizing that while criminals should be pursued, innocent residents should not be demonized.

Minneapolis City Council member Jamal Osman, a naturalized citizen, said the Somali community is fearful. "While some individuals commit crimes, the entire community should not be blamed," he noted.

The Trump administration has ended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somali residents in Minnesota and initiated enforcement operations targeting those with final deportation orders, which began on Wednesday. Kowsar Mohamed of south Minneapolis described increased ICE activity: "We are seeing people being stopped and questioned about their residency. The concern is not about documentationits about potential errors."

A Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman clarified that ICE operations are based on legal status, not ethnicity. Local organizations have intensified preparations, offering legal observer training and creating emergency networks to help residents respond safely to federal enforcement.

"Everyone is being cautious," Mohamed said. "Fear is real, but the community is standing ready and not retreating."

Analysis: Rising Tensions Within Minnesota's Somali-American Community

The recent remarks by President Donald Trump, targeting Somali immigrants and labeling their continued presence in the U.S. as a "mistake," have significantly heightened tensions within Minnesota's Somali-American community. Leaders in the area have expressed deep concern over the growing atmosphere of fear and uncertainty, especially as federal authorities begin a new enforcement operation targeting undocumented residents.

Aj Awed, executive director of the Cedar-Riverside Community Council, emphasized the unsettling effect of being personally singled out by the president. His comment on the matter reflects a broader sentiment shared by many members of the community: the belief that such rhetoric fosters division and increases the risk of discrimination. As Awed pointed out, many Somali immigrants in Minnesota have lived in the U.S. for decades and have contributed to society in significant ways—regardless of their accents or background.

In parallel, local officials like Jamal Osman, a naturalized citizen, have voiced concerns about the consequences of Trump's rhetoric. While criminal activity should be addressed, the notion that an entire community should be blamed for the actions of a few is deeply troubling. The recent enforcement actions, particularly in Minneapolis, have made members of the Somali-American community feel increasingly vulnerable to scrutiny and potential deportation.

The broader issue is that Trump's claims about Somali immigrants being linked to fraud and criminality have now been amplified by federal operations, which seem to target this demographic. Local advocacy groups have ramped up their efforts, offering legal support and helping residents navigate the increasing presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in their neighborhoods. While DHS maintains that operations are based on legal status, not ethnicity, the community’s sense of unease remains palpable.

As this situation develops, it is essential to acknowledge the complexities of the Somali immigrant experience in Minnesota. The challenges faced by this community are not isolated but are a reflection of the broader national discourse on immigration. The fear reported by Somali-Americans in Minnesota is not just about potential legal action, but about being treated as second-class citizens based on their heritage.

Ultimately, the key takeaway from this unfolding situation is the necessity for dialogue and understanding, particularly from political leaders who shape the public narrative. Minnesota's Somali-American community is not defined by the actions of a few individuals; it is a community that has deeply integrated into the fabric of the state. As the enforcement actions continue, it remains critical to recognize the importance of fairness and due process for all individuals, regardless of their background.

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• 'The apprehension is palpable': Minnesota's Somali community braces for immigration crackdown