UPDATE: Federal immigration agents have just arrested a convicted sex offender in Minnesota, reigniting a fierce debate over local sanctuary policies. Mahad Abdulkadir Yusuf, a Somali national, was detained on December 31, 2025, after evading authorities for years despite a troubling criminal history.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed the operation, stating Yusuf was in the country illegally and posed a significant threat to public safety. This arrest, conducted in Minneapolis, comes amid heightened scrutiny of ICE following a controversial enforcement operation that led to the death of Renee Nicole Good last month.
According to ICE records, Yusuf has a disturbing criminal background, including a conviction for first-degree criminal sexual conduct in which he forced a victim to perform oral sex multiple times. He also has a history of violence, including a 2016 conviction for first-degree assault and an active warrant issued in 2024 for obstructing police.
ICE officials criticized local leaders, specifically Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, for allowing Yusuf to remain at large due to Minnesota’s sanctuary policies. ICE stated, “Thanks to the sanctuary policies of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, this dangerous criminal was free to prowl the streets and victimize Minneapolis residents for years.”
“Every time local jurisdictions refuse to cooperate with ICE, they are helping violent offenders, including convicted sex predators like this one, escape justice,” said Mark Zito, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations.
Yusuf originally entered the United States in 1996 and was granted lawful permanent resident status, which was revoked following his convictions. ICE emphasized that this arrest is part of a broader enforcement effort, with over 622,000 deportations carried out since the start of the crackdown under President Donald Trump on January 20, 2025.
The operation raises serious questions about the effectiveness and safety of local sanctuary policies, especially in light of the recent incident involving Good, which sparked outrage and calls for ICE to cease operations in the city. Governor Walz and Mayor Frey have both condemned ICE actions in the past, with Frey insisting the agency “get the f— out” of Minneapolis.
As the situation develops, the community is left grappling with the implications of these policies and the safety of its residents. This arrest serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement and local governance.
Watch for more updates as authorities continue to address these critical issues in Minnesota and beyond.
