Federal immigration agents launched armed raids across Minnesota targeting Somali nationals with outstanding federal warrants, prompting political backlash and confusion in the Twin Cities’ Somali communities. According to The Post Millennial, ICE deployed around 100 agents to detain individuals with prior deportation orders or criminal histories, resulting in several arrests, including one man who allegedly assaulted officers and a previously deported woman who fled into a residence. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed that masked individuals seen in Somali neighborhoods were federal officers but said the department had not been briefed. Mayor Jacob Frey condemned the raids and reiterated that Minneapolis police do not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.
The operation unfolds amid ongoing controversy surrounding Minnesota’s Somali community following the $250 million COVID-relief fraud scheme, which federal investigators allege may have funneled money overseas, potentially reaching al-Shabaab. Rep. Ilhan Omar, responding to the scandal, argued that Somali Minnesotans are also victims of fraud and called for prosecution if terrorist links are proven. Scrutiny has intensified following reports of a dramatic surge in Omar’s net worth, which she denies as politically motivated disinformation.
While DHS has launched an internal review of communication failures, activists and Democratic officials say the raids are terrorizing families, whereas Republican lawmakers praise the crackdown. ICE maintains the operation targets individuals with final removal orders and criminal backgrounds, and the enforcement actions are expected to continue through the week.