Minneapolis Officials Reject Cooperation with ICE Amid Tensions

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey announced that the city’s law enforcement will not collaborate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as federal actions are anticipated in Minnesota. During a news conference on December 2, 2023, Frey remarked, “Our police officers are not ICE agents; they will not cooperate with ICE agents.” This stance comes as concerns grow over welfare fraud investigations linked to a number of Somali immigrants in the state.

ICE has recently intensified immigration enforcement operations across various U.S. cities, often facing backlash from protesters and Democratic leaders. At the press event, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara and St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter III expressed their support for law-abiding immigrants, including Somalis, who contribute to the community. They urged individuals concerned about their rights to educate themselves on legal protections.

O’Hara further stated, “We absolutely have a duty to intervene” when rights are being violated. While he affirmed that his officers collaborate with federal agencies on issues like violent crime and drug trafficking, he clarified that “we will have nothing to do with anything related to immigration enforcement.” This policy aligns with the long-standing practices in the Twin Cities, which are among several sanctuary cities facing legal action from the Justice Department over their immigration policies.

Tensions between Minnesota and federal authorities have escalated, particularly following President Donald Trump‘s announcement to end “temporary protected status” for Somalis in the state. Minnesota Democrats, including Representative Ilhan Omar and Governor Tim Walz, have publicly criticized these measures.

During a Cabinet meeting, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem claimed that “50 percent of visa applications” in Minnesota were fraudulent, although she did not specify which immigrant groups were allegedly involved. Earlier this year, ICE, along with the FBI and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), identified 275 cases of suspected immigration fraud in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area during “Operation Twin Shield.”

The mayors defended the Somali community, asserting that it is being unfairly targeted based on the actions of a few individuals. Since 2022, charges have been filed against 78 people in connection with the Feeding Our Future scandal, where a nonprofit falsely claimed to provide meals to children, resulting in billions of dollars in fraudulent claims.

Frey emphasized that the majority of the approximately 80,000 Somalis in Minnesota are U.S. citizens, with 78 percent residing in the Twin Cities. He expressed pride in the community’s contributions, stating, “Somali people have been an extraordinary benefit” to Minneapolis.

After Frey’s remarks, Trump criticized the mayor’s stance, alleging that Somalis “have taken billions of dollars out of our country.” He has consistently stated that those who complain about America are not welcome. In response, Frey reaffirmed his support for the Somali community and its positive impact on Minneapolis.

Both Frey and Carter voiced apprehensions about potential mistakes by ICE that could impact lawful Somali American citizens. ICE’s border czar, Tom Homan, responded to their comments, asserting, “We’re going to enforce the law, without apology.” Homan indicated that the findings related to welfare fraud would make the Twin Cities a higher priority for ICE, but did not provide specific timelines for increased operations.

O’Hara reiterated that Minneapolis police do not engage in immigration enforcement, aligning with a city ordinance that prohibits inquiries about citizenship or immigration status. He announced that officers would soon receive updated guidance on handling immigration-related matters, incorporating community feedback.

As the situation develops, the implications for the Somali community in Minnesota and the relationship between local authorities and federal agencies remain critical points of focus.