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Federal officials in the United States are preparing an immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota that is expected to focus on Somali immigrants who already have final deportation orders. The plan comes at a tense moment, following a series of harsh comments from President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly attacked Somali immigrants and moved to remove some of their legal protections.
A source familiar with the plans said U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is bringing in officers from around the country for a large sweep in the Minneapolis–St. Paul area. The operation could target hundreds of people with existing removal orders. While the exact timing may still change, agents are expected to move through different neighborhoods in the Twin Cities, and arrests of other undocumented people may also happen if they are encountered during the operation. The Department of Homeland Security has declined to confirm any details, saying ICE enforces the law daily and does not announce upcoming actions.
The reports have already created fear among Minnesota’s Somali community, the largest in the United States. Minneapolis officials said residents and organizers have reported several recent arrests of Somali men, though the purpose of those arrests remains unclear.
Local leaders and advocates say the recent enforcement efforts cannot be separated from President Trump’s comments. During a Cabinet meeting, Trump claimed Somali immigrants “contribute nothing,” accused them of relying heavily on welfare, and said he does not want them in the country. He also used social media to claim Somali refugees are “taking over” Minnesota, accused “Somali gangs” of causing insecurity, and urged that they be sent “back to where they came from.” He has offered no evidence for these claims. Researchers note that Somali Americans work in many industries, run businesses, and include students, professionals, and elected officials.
About 80,000 people of Somali descent live in Minnesota, many of whom came as refugees fleeing war. Community leaders say around 95% of Somalis in the state have legal status, and about half were born in the United States. For many, the targeted rhetoric and sudden immigration push feel like political attacks.
At the same time, the federal government is investigating large fraud schemes in Minnesota involving nonprofits and social service programs. The most high-profile case centers on Feeding Our Future, a nonprofit accused of diverting millions intended for a federal child nutrition program. Around 70 people, many from East African communities, have been charged. Prosecutors say the crimes involved personal enrichment, not terrorism, and that they have found no evidence of money being sent to groups like al-Shabab.
Despite this, conservative media have circulated claims that Minnesota taxpayer money may have reached al-Shabab. State investigators previously reviewed similar allegations and said they could not find proof. Still, federal officials, including the Treasury Department, are now re-examining whether any public funds were misused. Republican lawmakers have also opened inquiries into how state officials handled pandemic-era programs.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said he supports fraud investigations but rejected attempts to blame an entire community for the actions of a few individuals. He criticized Trump’s approach as political and dangerous, saying the state’s success and generosity can attract criminals of many backgrounds, not just one group.
The administration’s approach to immigration has become increasingly aggressive. Recently, it paused all asylum decisions following the shooting of two National Guard soldiers by a suspect originally from Afghanistan. Homeland Security officials have also launched reviews of visa cases as part of nationwide crackdowns.
Immigrant advocates warn that the combination of threats, policy shifts, and reports of upcoming raids creates confusion and anxiety for families. They say the environment is designed to keep communities uncertain and afraid.
Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar said ending Temporary Protected Status for Somalis and launching targeted operations punishes law-abiding families instead of addressing actual crimes. She urged leaders not to demonize entire communities without evidence.
Federal officials insist any upcoming ICE operation will target only those with official removal orders, not the broader Somali population. Still, Somali families across Minnesota are struggling to understand what is true and what is political theater, as they brace for whatever may come next.