UPDATE: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested a convicted sex offender in Minnesota, who had evaded capture for years, raising serious public safety concerns. On December 31, 2025, federal agents detained Mahad Abdulkadir Yusuf, a Somali national living in Minneapolis, during a targeted operation.
Yusuf, who was in the country illegally, has a troubling criminal history, including a 2016 conviction for first-degree criminal sexual conduct, where he forced a victim to perform oral sex multiple times. ICE confirmed that he posed a significant threat to the community, especially given his prior arrest for first-degree assault in 2016 and an active warrant issued in 2024 for obstructing police.
“He threw away his shot at the American dream by repaying our country’s generosity with these vicious crimes,” ICE stated in a press release. This arrest comes amid criticism of Minnesota’s sanctuary policies, which ICE claims allowed Yusuf to remain free and continue to endanger residents.
“Thanks to the sanctuary policies of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, this dangerous criminal was free to prowl the streets and victimize Minneapolis residents for years,” ICE said.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents previously attempted to apprehend Yusuf but were reportedly obstructed by the apartment management where he resided. HSI Special Agent in Charge Mark Zito condemned local policies that hinder cooperation with federal law enforcement, stating, “Every time local jurisdictions refuse to cooperate with ICE, they are helping violent offenders, including convicted sex predators like this one, escape justice.”
The arrest has triggered a renewed debate over immigration enforcement and local policies. It follows heightened scrutiny of ICE operations after a fatal incident involving the agency in Minneapolis, which has led to significant backlash from local leaders.
President Donald Trump commented on the recent shooting incident involving ICE, calling it “a horrible thing to watch,” and urged support for law enforcement efforts to maintain public safety. The agency has emphasized that since the start of President Trump’s immigration crackdown in January 2025, more than 622,000 deportations have been executed.
As the situation develops, local authorities and community leaders are expected to respond to the implications of this arrest. Residents are advised to remain vigilant as discussions around public safety and immigration policy continue to unfold.
Stay tuned for further updates on this critical situation.
