Leaked Details Expose ICE Plan to Target Somali Immigrants in Minneapolis–St. Paul
Federal immigration authorities are preparing a large-scale enforcement operation in the Minneapolis–St. Paul region that will target Somali immigrants with outstanding deportation orders, according to a federal official familiar with the planning.
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The operation is expected to involve roughly 100 ICE personnel brought in from across the country and could begin as early as this week. Sources say “hundreds” of people may be targeted in the sweep, though ICE has not publicly confirmed the timing, scope, or specific criteria for arrests.
A spokesperson for ICE declined to comment, saying the agency does not discuss “future or potential operations.”
Minnesota leaders reacted quickly. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey warned the surge could result in the detention of lawful residents and U.S. citizens who are simply perceived as Somali. “This raises serious human-rights concerns and risks wrongful arrests,” Frey said.
Gov. Tim Walz also condemned the plan, calling it a “stunt” that will not make communities safer. Local advocates echoed the warnings, saying Somali-American families are already reporting fear and confusion as word of the operation spreads.
Minnesota is home to the largest Somali-American population in the United States, with most residents concentrated in the Twin Cities. Community groups say the lack of clear information from federal officials is heightening anxiety.
ICE has not said whether the operation will include “collateral arrests,” a practice in which people not originally targeted are detained if encountered during enforcement activity.
The scale of the planned sweep and its potential impact on immigrant communities remain unclear. Local officials say they are preparing legal and community-support resources as they await federal action.