Trump Ends Legal Protections for Somali Migrants in Minnesota

UPDATE: President Donald Trump has just announced the immediate termination of temporary legal protections for Somali migrants in Minnesota, a state home to the largest Somali community in the United States. This significant decision, revealed on Friday night via Trump’s social media platform, targets the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program, which was designed to shield migrants from deportation due to hazardous conditions in their home countries.

The announcement raises urgent concerns, as many in the Somali community fled a brutal civil war in Somalia and have sought refuge in Minnesota, attracted by its supportive social programs. However, a report submitted to Congress in August 2023 indicated that only 705 Somali migrants are currently covered under the TPS program nationwide.

In his statement, Trump claimed that Minnesota had become “a hub of fraudulent money laundering activity,” alleging that “Somali gangs are terrorizing the people of that great State.” He further insisted, “Send them back to where they came from. It’s OVER!” This declaration aligns with Trump’s ongoing commitment to enforce hardline immigration policies, as he aims to reclaim the presidency.

The TPS program, established in 1990, was intended to prevent deportations of individuals from countries experiencing natural disasters, war, or other destabilizing conditions. The designation is granted by the Secretary of Homeland Security in increments of 18 months. Trump’s administration has previously sought to dismantle similar protections for other groups, including 600,000 Venezuelans and 500,000 Haitians, who were granted TPS under President Joe Biden.

As this story develops, community leaders and advocates are raising alarm over the potential consequences of Trump’s decision. The impact on the Somali community in Minnesota could be profound, affecting families and individuals who have built their lives in the state.

Next Steps: Watch for reactions from local leaders and immigrant rights organizations, as they mobilize to respond to this urgent update. The situation remains fluid, and further actions from the Trump administration could emerge in the coming days.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.