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Trump Calls Somali Immigrants ‘Garbage’ as DHS Confirms Twin Cities Deportation Surge

The week’s rhetoric coincides with a Minnesota fraud case that has intensified scrutiny of Somali Americans.

A rapid response community observer watches for federal agents in front of Karmel Mall, an East African shopping center, amid fears of a reported federal operation targeting Somali immigrants, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. December 4, 2025. REUTERS/Tim Evans
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Protesters gather at a rally for immigrants and workers outside Signature Aviation near the Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport, Wednesday, Dec 3, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Tom Baker)
Signs prohibiting ICE agents from entering the property without a warrant hang on the doors of Karmel Mall, an East African shopping center, amid fears of a reported federal operation targeting Somali immigrants, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. December 4, 2025. REUTERS/Tim Evans

Overview

  • DHS official Tricia McLaughlin confirmed an ICE enforcement surge in Minneapolis–St. Paul this week, with apprehensions reported in Cedar-Riverside and other areas.
  • Somali residents and business owners report fear and economic fallout, with Karmel Mall shops losing most customers and some people avoiding public spaces or carrying passports.
  • A sweeping DOJ investigation tied to pandemic meal funds has led to at least 77 charges and 56 guilty pleas, including a ringleader’s conviction, fueling political pressure on the community.
  • Rep. Ilhan Omar condemned the president’s remarks as racist and Islamophobic, stressing that most Somali Minnesotans are citizens and saying undocumented residents are rare in the community.
  • Clergy and civic leaders staged public shows of support, while Somali organizers proposed a national Somali Heritage Month and announced a Dec. 13 day of action; lawmakers in Maine also denounced the rhetoric.