UPDATE: Tensions escalate in Minnesota as U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar and Somali leaders respond urgently to President Donald Trump’s shocking announcement threatening the deportation protections for Somali Minnesotans. Just last night, Trump declared on Truth Social that he would terminate the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program for Somalis “effective immediately,” igniting immediate backlash from local officials and community leaders.
In a press event at the Capitol rotunda on November 24, 2025, Omar emphasized the gravity of the situation, asserting, “Trump lacks the legal authority to revoke TPS. Even eighth graders know he doesn’t have that power.” The TPS program, which protects approximately 300 Somali Minnesotans, is currently set to expire on March 17, 2026, according to a recent congressional report.
Trump’s threat follows unverified claims from a conservative think tank, alleging that funds misappropriated from Minnesota programs have been funneled to Al-Shabaab, an Islamist militant group in Somalia. Omar firmly rejected these claims, stating, “There is no evidence that taxpayer money in Minnesota has gone to aid terrorism. Such dangerous rhetoric threatens the lives of Somalis nationwide.”
At the rally, Senator Zaynab Mohamed criticized Trump’s comments, asserting they are part of a broader effort to “purge” communities like hers. St. Paul Mayor-elect Kaohly Her echoed this sentiment, declaring, “We are not to be scapegoated because of the actions of a few.”
While some local leaders support Trump’s remarks, including Speaker of the House Lisa Demuth, who highlighted fraud issues in Minnesota, others are raising alarm over potential safety risks. “We do not blame the lawlessness of an individual on a whole community,” Omar stated, highlighting the harmful implications of Trump’s rhetoric.
In response to Trump’s claims, Alec Shaw, a civil rights attorney with the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), clarified that the TPS can only be revoked by the Secretary of Homeland Security. “This announcement has no legal effect,” he noted, indicating that any attempt to terminate TPS would likely face legal challenges.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison affirmed his commitment to defending TPS holders, stating, “We are exploring every option.” He referenced previous successful litigation against attempts to cancel TPS during Trump’s first term, emphasizing that legal protections remain robust.
The community is also concerned about the potential for violence resulting from Trump’s inflammatory statements. Yusuf Abdulle, executive director of the Islamic Association of North America, warned, “Hateful rhetoric can incite violence, as we’ve seen in the past.”
As the situation develops, Minnesota’s leaders call for unity against these divisive threats. The community stands firm, vowing to protect the rights of Somali Minnesotans and challenge any unjust actions regarding TPS.
Authorities and community leaders will continue to monitor the situation closely as they prepare for possible legal battles and community responses to Trump’s alarming announcement. Stay tuned for more updates as this urgent story unfolds.
