U.S. President Donald Trump announced on March 10, 2023, that he is terminating temporary deportation protections for Somalis residing in Minnesota. This decision brings to an end a program that began in 1991 under President George H.W. Bush, designed to protect individuals unable to return home due to unsafe conditions.
In a late-night post on Truth Social, Trump cited concerns about Somali gangs and alleged fraudulent activities in the state. He stated, “Somali gangs are terrorizing the people of that great State, and BILLIONS of Dollars are missing.” The president did not provide specific evidence to support these claims. He characterized Minnesota as a “hub of fraudulent money laundering activity” under the leadership of Democratic Governor Tim Walz, linking his remarks to unverified reports suggesting ties between the militant group al-Shabaab and fraudulent activities in Minnesota.
Governor Walz responded to Trump’s announcement, criticizing the president’s approach. On social media platform X, he stated, “It’s not surprising that the President has chosen to broadly target an entire community. This is what he does to change the subject.”
The Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program for Somalis, initiated in September 1991, provides protection to eligible foreign-born individuals unable to safely return to their home countries due to civil unrest or natural disasters. Currently, TPS is available for individuals from seventeen countries, but the Trump administration has moved to end protections for several, including those from Venezuela and Nicaragua.
According to a report from the Congressional Research Service, only 705 Somali-born individuals in the United States currently hold TPS status. In contrast, over 330,000 Haitians and more than 170,000 individuals from El Salvador benefit from similar protections.
Trump has previously used anti-immigrant rhetoric, including remarks directed at Representative Ilhan Omar, who was born in Somalia and represents Minneapolis. In her response to Trump’s announcement, Omar emphasized that she and the majority of Somalis in America are U.S. citizens. “Good luck celebrating a policy change that really doesn’t have much impact on the Somalis you love to hate. We are here to stay,” she wrote on X.
Minnesota is home to the largest Somali population in the United States, with over 26,000 Somali refugees settling in the state since 1979, according to the state Department of Health. The ongoing civil war and instability in Somalia have driven many to seek refuge in the U.S.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison stated that his office is closely monitoring the situation and is exploring all available options. “Somali folks came to Minnesota fleeing conflict, instability, and famine, and they have become an integral part of our state, our culture, and our community,” Ellison noted on X. He asserted that Trump cannot arbitrarily terminate TPS for individuals in just one state.
The decision has drawn criticism from various leaders and organizations. Jaylani Hussein, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations in Minnesota, expressed disappointment, stating that the protections should not be revoked for legal immigrants. “These are legal immigrants, and they should not suffer as a consequence of a political football that’s being played against the Muslim community. These individuals have been following the law,” he said.
Political strategist Abshir Omar, who endorsed Trump in the 2024 presidential election, anticipates a legal challenge to the decision, warning it could adversely affect the long-term economic relationship with Somalia. In March, Somalia offered the U.S. exclusive control of air bases and ports, indicating a desire for partnerships with American firms to explore its oil reserves.
Trump’s announcement follows unconfirmed allegations from a conservative organization regarding funds linked to the Minnesota state government ending up with al-Shabaab. Minnesota Republican Representative Tom Emmer echoed the call for accountability, urging U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen to investigate these claims.
Additionally, Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth stated that anyone involved in criminal activities should be swiftly deported if they are unlawfully present in the U.S. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey expressed solidarity with the Somali community, stating, “Standing with our Somali community today. Minneapolis has your back — always.”
As the situation unfolds, the implications of Trump’s decision are poised to affect thousands of individuals and families who have built their lives in Minnesota.
