Minneapolis city government has taken a clear stance in opposition to planned federal immigration enforcement operations targeting the city’s Somali community. Local officials are positioning themselves as defenders of residents against what they characterize as discriminatory federal actions.
The city’s position comes in response to confirmed reports that federal immigration authorities plan to deploy approximately 100 agents for coordinated enforcement operations in the metropolitan area. These actions would focus primarily on Somali nationals with deportation orders, concentrating significant resources on one ethnic community.
Presidential statements have characterized Somali immigrants in inflammatory terms, with the administration’s leader expressing during a cabinet meeting that he wants them removed from America. The remarks included personal attacks on a congressional representative of Somali heritage who represents Minneapolis constituents.
City officials have organized press conferences to address community concerns and clarify local policies. The mayor and police chief emphasized that Minneapolis police do not assist with immigration enforcement, receive no advance notice of federal operations, and remain committed to protecting all residents regardless of immigration status.
Minneapolis is home to approximately 80,000 Somali residents, most of whom are American citizens or legal residents. Local leaders warned that federal enforcement operations based on Somali appearance would inevitably result in wrongful detention of citizens and violations of constitutional protections, declaring unwavering support for the community.
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