Minneapolis, MN – Several Somali individuals have been arrested in Minneapolis as part of a broader immigration enforcement operation. This comes as the Trump administration has moved to significantly reduce the validity period of work permits for refugees and asylum seekers from five years to just 18 months.
Federal officials confirmed Thursday that individuals of Somali origin were among those detained during the recent immigration enforcement actions in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The arrests occurred just days after President Trump made disparaging remarks about immigrants from the East African nation, suggesting they should leave the United States.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in a statement regarding the operation, indicated that the arrests in Minneapolis began on Monday. While the total number of individuals detained has not been disclosed, officials provided details on 12 individuals, including five from Somalia and the remainder from Mexico and El Salvador.
According to Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at DHS, those arrested were described as “dangerous criminals convicted of charges ranging from fraud and car theft to criminal sexual conduct and driving under the influence.”
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, a Democrat, has criticized the targeting of the Somali community. Frey urged Americans on Thursday to “love and respect” the Somali immigrant community in Minnesota, which is the largest in North America.
Conversely, allies of President Trump have praised his remarks and attacks on Minnesota politicians who defend the Somali population. During a televised cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Trump commented on reports of government corruption linked to Minnesota residents, referring to immigrants there as “garbage” and stating he wanted to send them “back where they came from.”
In a related development, the Trump administration announced it was reducing the validity of work permits for refugees, asylum seekers, and other immigrants from five years to 18 months.
