ICE raids Minneapolis Somali community as Trump disparages entire population

Department of Homeland Security announced Dec. 1, 2025 that ICE would launch targeted enforcement operations in New Orleans and Minneapolis, focusing on criminal aliens in 🎺Louisiana and Somali immigrants in 🦆Minnesota. The operations would use enhanced ICE resources including additional agents and surveillance.

In New Orleans, ICE targeted individuals with criminal convictions, focusing on those with violent felonies, drug trafficking charges, and gang affiliations. MLMayor LaToya Cantrell condemned the operation as racially targeted, noting most affected individuals were Black and Latino immigrants who had lived in the city for decades.

In Minneapolis, ICE focused on Somali community members, with operations targeting individuals with immigration status violations. MJMayor Jacob Frey declared Minneapolis a sanctuary city and mobilized city resources to monitor ICE activities and provide legal support to affected residents.

Trump concluded a Cabinet meeting by disparaging Somali immigrants, stating they should go back to their country despite many being US citizens or legal permanent residents. The remarks drew condemnation from civil rights groups as racially charged and factually inaccurate.

ICE operations included workplace raids, home searches, and traffic stops targeting individuals based on immigration status tips. Community organizations reported increased fear and decreased reporting of crimes as immigrants avoided contact with police.

The operations were part of Trump's broader crackdown on sanctuary cities, with DHS arguing these policies harbor dangerous criminals. Civil liberties groups countered that sanctuary policies protect community trust and reduce violent crime by encouraging cooperation with police.

🦆Minnesota Somali community leaders organized emergency response networks, providing legal aid and transportation for affected families. New Orleans immigrant rights groups set up hotlines and emergency legal services for those targeted in raids.

Federal court challenges were filed in both cities, with attorneys arguing the operations violated local ordinances and constituted racial profiling. Some operations were temporarily halted pending court review.