U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Friday the immediate termination of temporary deportation protections for Somali nationals living in Minnesota. This decision accelerates the end of the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program, which was originally established in 1991 under former President George H.W. Bush.
Context and Reactions
In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed, “Somali gangs are terrorizing the people of that great State, and BILLIONS of Dollars are missing,” but did not provide evidence to support these assertions. He characterized Minnesota as a “hub of fraudulent money laundering activity,” attributing the claims to unverified media reports regarding connections between the Al-Shabaab militant group and fraudulent activities in the state.
In response, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz criticized Trump’s decision, suggesting it unfairly targets an entire community. He remarked, “It’s not surprising that the President has chosen to broadly target an entire community. This is what he does to change the subject.”
The TPS program for Somalis grants protection to individuals unable to return to their home country due to civil war or natural disasters. While the Biden administration extended TPS eligibility for Somalis through March 17, 2026, Trump’s administration has been actively terminating TPS for various countries, including Venezuela and Nicaragua.
Impact on Minnesota’s Somali Community
Currently, most Somalis in Minnesota are U.S. citizens, with only 705 Somali-born individuals holding TPS status nationwide, according to the non-partisan Congressional Research Service. In contrast, over 330,000 Haitians and more than 170,000 individuals from El Salvador benefit from TPS.
Trump’s rhetoric surrounding Somalis has drawn criticism, particularly from Ilhan Omar, a Democrat representing Minneapolis who was born in Somalia. Omar responded on social media, emphasizing that both she and the majority of Somalis in the U.S. are citizens. “Good luck celebrating a policy change that really doesn’t have much impact on the Somalis you love to hate. We are here to stay,” she stated.
Additionally, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced that his office is monitoring the situation and exploring legal options. He highlighted the contributions of the Somali community, stating, “Somali folks came to Minnesota fleeing conflict, instability and famine, and they have become an integral part of our state, our culture and our community.”
Executive Director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations in Minnesota, Jaylani Hussein, expressed disappointment over Trump’s decision, emphasizing that these individuals are legal immigrants who should not be subjected to political maneuvers. Hussein warned that the decision could disrupt families and communities.
Political strategist Abshir Omar, who previously endorsed Trump for the 2024 presidential election, anticipates potential legal challenges to the decision. He noted that this move could adversely affect the long-term economic and strategic relationship between the U.S. and Somalia, which recently sought U.S. partnerships to explore its oil reserves and offered exclusive control of its air bases and ports.
The announcement follows claims from a conservative organization alleging that Al-Shabaab had improperly received funds linked to fraudulent activities in Minnesota. In response, Minnesota Republican Representative Tom Emmer called for an investigation into these allegations, urging U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen to act.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth advocated for the deportation of individuals involved in criminal activities, while Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey expressed solidarity with the Somali community, asserting, “Minneapolis has your back — always.”
As this situation develops, it highlights the ongoing complexities surrounding immigration policies and their implications for communities across the United States.
