Federal Crackdown Sparks Tensions with Minneapolis' Somali Community

Federal agents in Minneapolis recently arrested 12 individuals, targeting Somali immigrants living unlawfully in the U.S. Despite Somali immigrants being the focus, only five of those arrested were from Somalia. The operation has sparked criticism from local officials who oppose President Trump's immigration policies.

Federal agents in Minneapolis have apprehended 12 individuals in a newly launched enforcement operation predominantly aimed at Somali immigrants residing illegally in the U.S. However, only five of those taken into custody are Somali nationals, with the remainder comprising six Mexican nationals and one from El Salvador, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The city, home to the country's largest Somali community, follows areas like Chicago and Los Angeles in facing heightened immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. Concurrently, officials have indicated intentions to arrest up to 5,000 individuals in New Orleans. According to ICE, most of those arrested were charged with crimes ranging from assault and fraud to domestic violence.

This enforcement has ignited significant opposition from Minneapolis leaders, including Mayor Jacob Frey, who have criticized President Trump's derogatory comments about Somali immigrants. While Frey vowed that local police would not participate in federal immigration efforts, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin accused both Frey and Governor Tim Walz of neglecting immigration law enforcement, allegedly putting citizens at risk.

(With inputs from agencies.)