Overview
- In back-to-back appearances, President Trump labeled Somalis “garbage,” claimed they had “destroyed” Minnesota and the country, and said Rep. Ilhan Omar should be “thrown the hell out” of the U.S.
- Local and national outlets report a federal enforcement surge in the Twin Cities with roughly 100 agents deployed, though only scattered or unverified arrests have been documented so far.
- A senior administration official told NBC News that ICE is targeting alleged immigration violators rather than a nationality, despite the president’s rhetoric singling out Somalis.
- The administration paused asylum decisions and certain immigration applications for 19 countries including Somalia, as a largely citizen and legally resident Somali community in Minnesota expresses mounting anxiety.
- Minneapolis leaders mobilized safeguards, with Mayor Jacob Frey barring the use of city property to stage raids and community groups running legal clinics and know-your-rights trainings.