Trump Ends Temporary Protection for Somali Migrants in Minnesota/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Trump announced the immediate termination of the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program for Somali migrants living in Minnesota, stating the state has become “a hub of fraudulent money‑laundering activity.” The move affects a small number of nationals (about 705 Somalis nationwide) but triggers widespread concern about targeted enforcement and community impact. Critics view the decision as discriminatory and warn it risks tearing families apart and reversing established immigration safeguards.
Quick Look
- What happened: Trump declared he is “immediately” ending TPS protections for Somali nationals in Minnesota.
- Scope: Minnesota hosts the largest Somali community in the U.S.; however, roughly 705 Somali‑TPS holders exist nationwide.
- Reason cited: Trump accused Minnesota of harboring “Somali gangs” and billions of dollars missing.
- Legal basis: TPS was created by Congress in 1990 to protect individuals from deportation when their home countries face war or disaster.
- Reaction: The Minnesota chapter of Council on American‑Islamic Relations (CAIR) labeled the move “a political attack” on the Somali and Muslim community.
- Broader trend: This action follows previous Trump‑era efforts to reduce or eliminate TPS for Venezuelans, Haitians, and others.
- Next steps: Legal challenges are expected; it is unclear how many migrants will be forced to leave or how the program’s termination will be implemented.
Somali TPS Termination in Minnesota – Deep Look
President Donald Trump has ignited a fresh political and humanitarian firestorm with his decision to abruptly end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somali migrants, particularly affecting Minnesota, home to the largest Somali-American population in the United States. His announcement, delivered via his social media platform late Friday night, was both blunt and inflammatory, drawing immediate backlash from civil rights groups and immigrant advocates.
Trump’s Announcement and Rationale
On his Truth Social account, President Trump declared the “immediate termination” of TPS protections for Somali nationals, stating:
“Somali gangs are terrorizing the people of that great State, and BILLIONS of Dollars are missing. Send them back to where they came from. It’s OVER!”
This rhetoric, linking an entire immigrant community to crime and corruption, mirrors Trump’s long-established pattern of framing immigration in terms of national security and criminality. The post also referenced Minnesota as “a hub of fraudulent money laundering activity,” though no direct evidence was cited in support of the claim.
What Is TPS and Who Is Affected?
TPS is a humanitarian designation granted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to individuals from countries facing ongoing armed conflict, environmental disaster, or other extraordinary conditions that make return unsafe. It allows recipients to live and work legally in the U.S. while conditions in their home countries remain unstable.
TPS for Somalia was first designated in the 1990s due to the country’s prolonged civil war. While Minnesota’s Somali-American population numbers in the tens of thousands, the number of Somali TPS holders is small—estimated at just 705 nationwide according to a recent Congressional report. Still, the policy shift holds symbolic and legal significance, especially in a state where Somali-Americans are deeply integrated into the civic and cultural fabric.
Local Response: “A Political Attack”
The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN) issued a scathing response late Friday. Executive Director Jaylani Hussein stated:
“This is not just a bureaucratic change; it is a political attack on the Somali and Muslim community driven by Islamophobic and hateful rhetoric. This decision will tear families apart.”
CAIR and other civil rights organizations have promised legal challenges and community mobilization in response to the president’s order.
Legal Context and Precedent
TPS is granted in 18-month intervals at the discretion of the Secretary of Homeland Security. However, Trump’s announcement—delivered unilaterally and without clear procedural backing—raises questions about whether proper legal channels were followed. Immigration lawyers argue that ending TPS requires formal notice and an administrative process, not just a presidential tweet.
The Trump administration has a long history of attempting to curtail TPS programs. Earlier, it moved to terminate protections for over 600,000 Venezuelans and 500,000 Haitians—both decisions met with immediate legal pushback. It also sought to limit TPS for nationals from Cuba, Syria, and Nicaragua.
A Political Strategy?
Observers note that the timing of Trump’s announcement—coming amid rising political tensions and a series of bold executive actions—suggests a strategic play to energize his base. Trump has made immigration a central pillar of his domestic agenda in both his campaigns and presidencies. By targeting TPS and linking immigrants to crime, he taps into longstanding nativist sentiments within parts of the Republican electorate.
Furthermore, Trump’s remarks recall his infamous “Muslim ban” early in his first term, which barred entry to citizens of several Muslim-majority countries, including Somalia. Critics see this latest action as a continuation of that exclusionary stance.
Implications for Minnesota and National Immigration Policy
Minnesota’s Somali community, largely centered in the Twin Cities, has grown into a vibrant and politically active population. The state has elected Somali-American officials, including Rep. Ilhan Omar, and has often been hailed as a model for successful refugee resettlement.
However, the president’s claim that the state is “overrun” by criminal activity tied to Somali immigrants has alarmed many and raised concerns about racial profiling and stigmatization. Local officials have rejected Trump’s characterization, stating that it risks inciting xenophobia and undermining community trust in law enforcement.
With Trump pushing forward with his broader immigration crackdown—including plans to create a national deportation task force—the rollback of TPS for Somalia may mark only the beginning of more sweeping changes if his administration continues along this trajectory.
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