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ICE Plans Operation Targeting Somali Immigrants in Minneapolis–St. Paul; Local Leaders Push Back

ICE is planning an enforcement operation in Minneapolis–St. Paul that would focus on undocumented Somali immigrants, according to a federal official and supporting documents. The move follows sharply critical remarks about Somali immigrants by the president, prompting concern among local leaders. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz called the proposal a "PR stunt," and DHS said it does not comment on potential operations. The situation is evolving and may be updated.

11:49 PM, 12/02/2025Politics
ICE Plans Operation Targeting Somali Immigrants in Minneapolis–St. Paul; Local Leaders Push Back

A federal official said that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plans to carry out an enforcement operation in Minneapolis and St. Paul aimed at undocumented Somali immigrants. Documents and an anonymous official were cited as the basis for the planned activity.

The announcement comes after a series of public remarks by the president in which he sharply criticized Somali immigrants, saying they should "go back to where they came from" and describing their country in derogatory terms.

"I don't want them in our country," the president said. "Their country is no good for a reason. Their country stinks, and we don't want them in our country."

Reactions from local and federal officials

Local leaders in the Twin Cities pushed back against the proposed operation. City officials held a press conference to express concern about the plan and its potential impact on community trust and public safety.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, a Democrat, dismissed the proposal as a "PR stunt" in a post on X, saying that while the state welcomes assistance investigating and prosecuting crime, "pulling a PR stunt and indiscriminately targeting immigrants is not a real solution to a problem."

At the federal level, Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin emphasized that the agency "does not discuss future or potential operations."

Context

Officials noted the heightened tensions follow a recent shooting in Washington, D.C., that wounded two National Guard members. The alleged shooter in that incident is Afghan and has no known ties to Somalia, but some observers say recent political remarks have singled out Somali communities unfairly.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

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