Somali Migrants in Minnesota Report Continued Fear After ICE Operation Drawdown

Fear and uncertainty remain among some Somali migrants in Minnesota despite an announced reduction in immigration enforcement activity. The operation, which involved a large deployment of agents earlier this year, prompted protests after two U.S. citizens were killed.

It has affected parts of the Somali community in Minneapolis, described as the largest outside Africa. Abdi, a 23-year-old Somali man whose name was changed for his protection, said he continues to move frequently to avoid detection. "It hasn't ended," Abdi told the BBC.

He said community members had reported that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were still conducting raids on homes. He rarely stays in one location longer than five nights and leaves discreetly for work. Abdi and some of his friends have been detained despite holding documents granting Temporary Protected Status.

TPS allows nationals from countries facing conflict, disaster or extraordinary conditions to live and work in the United States for limited periods. The administration of President Donald Trump had moved to end TPS for Somali immigrants by March 17, an action estimated to affect around 2,500 people.

A federal judge issued a temporary block preventing their removal. Abdi fled Somalia in 2022 after al-Shabab fighters attempted to recruit him. He spent about $15,000 to travel through Brazil, the Darién Gap and eventually crossed the U.S.-Mexico border, where he applied for asylum and TPS, which permits him to remain until 2029.

At its peak, the deployment of agents in Minnesota numbered in the thousands. In mid-February, Tom Homan announced that only a small contingent would remain. "We have arrested over 11,000 criminal illegal aliens who were killing Americans, hurting children and reigning terror in Minneapolis because sanctuary politicians refuse to protect their own people and instead protect criminals," the DHS told the BBC in a statement.