'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."

Author: Riley Thompson