In an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis, federal officials have reported the arrest of individuals with Somali origins. This crackdown comes just days after President Donald Trump made derogatory remarks about immigrants from Somalia, expressing a desire to remove them from the United States. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that the arrests began on Monday, although they did not disclose the total number of apprehensions.
The details shared by officials included profiles of 12 individuals detained during the operation, of which five were identified as being from Somalia. The others were from Mexico and El Salvador. Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin labeled these arrestees as dangerous criminals, highlighting their various convictions, which range from fraud and vehicle theft to more serious offenses such as criminal sexual conduct and driving under the influence.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has vocally opposed Trump’s comments and called attention to the significant contributions of the Somali immigrant community in Minnesota, the largest in North America. He urged Americans to “love and respect” this vibrant community amidst the ongoing tensions.
Trump’s recent remarks have continued to stir controversy, particularly his description of immigrants as “garbage” and his calls for their deportation. This rhetoric has drawn praise from some of his allies but has been met with resistance from many community leaders and advocates who defend immigrants’ rights.
Since the beginning of his administration, Trump’s stance on immigration has led to notably aggressive enforcement measures, including operations by masked federal agents across the country aimed at increasing deportations. As the situation evolves, it remains to be seen how local leaders and the community will respond to the ongoing challenges posed by federal immigration policies.