Overview
- ICE said agents detained 12 people in Minneapolis this week, identifying six Mexican nationals, five Somalis and one Salvadoran, following an operation that began Dec. 1.
- DHS described the arrestees as serious offenders and highlighted cases involving gang affiliations and prior convictions for crimes including sexual offenses and assault.
- President Trump labeled Somali immigrants “garbage” and leveled broader insults, singling out Rep. Ilhan Omar, who called the remarks racist and warned they fuel threats.
- Local reaction included Minneapolis pledging no police participation in federal enforcement and clergy and community leaders publicly expressing solidarity with Somali residents.
- Justice Department data on COVID-era fraud cases in Minnesota, which include numerous defendants of Somali descent and many guilty pleas, has been invoked by the administration to defend the enforcement push.