Federal Crackdown on Immigrants in Minneapolis: A Focus on Somali Community

Sat Dec 06 2025 19:19:45 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Recent enforcement actions by federal agents in Minneapolis targeting illegal immigrants have sparked controversy, with criticism from local leaders amidst claims of racial profiling.

Federal agents have arrested a dozen individuals in Minneapolis, primarily focusing on Somali immigrants, though less than half of those detained identify as Somali. This operation, termed 'mass deportations' by critics, follows a series of similar initiatives across other major cities. Local officials have expressed outrage, contending that federal actions endangered community safety and undermined local immigrant protection efforts.

In a recent operation that has raised significant concern, federal agents in Minneapolis have arrested a total of 12 individuals as part of an enforcement initiative aimed at undocumented immigrants, particularly within the Somali community. However, it has been noted that only five of those detained are actually from Somalia, with the majority being Mexican nationals.

The arrests coincide with a broader trend of enforcement actions targeting immigrant communities in urban areas, reminiscent of previous operations in cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, and Charlotte. In Minneapolis-St. Paul, which is home to a significant number of Somali immigrants, the crackdown has drawn backlash from local leaders who argue it represents a targeted attack against a vulnerable population.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) defended the operation, claiming the individuals arrested are among the “worst of the worst” in terms of criminal activity, with many facing charges or convictions related to serious offenses. This declaration has not alleviated the concerns from local officials who criticize the methods and rhetoric employed by the federal government.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has publicly denounced the federal crackdown, asserting that city police will not engage in immigration enforcement activities. Gov. Tim Walz echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need to protect the Somali community from sweeping deportations that could sow fear and division.

The political rhetoric has intensified, with President Trump singling out Somali immigrants in recent comments, claiming they offer no value to society. Such remarks have only compounded fears among immigrant communities and prompted strong responses from state officials who suggest that local governance should differ from federal immigration policies.

As federal authorities signal an intent to continue their operations in the area, the commitment of local officials to safeguard immigrant rights appears unwavering, setting the stage for continued conflict over immigration enforcement practices.