Minnesota’s Somali Community on Edge as ICE Operation Looms

Minnesota’s Somali community is facing growing anxiety as reports circulate about an impending Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation targeting neighborhoods across the state. The concerns, which began as quiet conversations within community centers and local mosques, have now spread widely, prompting discussions about safety, legal rights, and the future of thousands of Somali immigrants living in Minnesota.

According to community leaders, the fear is not merely about arrests but about the long-term consequences of stepped-up immigration enforcement. Minnesota is home to the largest Somali population in the United States, and the potential for an expansive ICE operation has ignited deep worry among families, including many with mixed-status households. Parents, students, workers, and business owners say they are preparing for sudden disruptions that could reshape daily life.

Local advocacy groups have mobilized quickly, offering “Know Your Rights” workshops, legal hotlines, and community-based support networks designed to provide accurate information and prevent unnecessary panic. Organizers emphasize that misinformation can spread rapidly, especially on social media, creating confusion about who is at risk and what actions ICE is legally permitted to take. As a result, community leaders are urging residents to remain calm but cautious, to verify information through trusted sources, and to maintain regular communication with legal representatives if they have pending immigration cases.

Elected officials in Minnesota have also weighed in, expressing concern about the potential scale and timing of the operation. Some lawmakers say broad immigration sweeps can destabilize neighborhoods, fracture trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities, and create fear that extends far beyond individuals with active immigration cases. They argue that federal immigration enforcement should prioritize transparency and communication with local authorities to avoid unintended harm.

Meanwhile, ICE has not publicly confirmed the details of any operation in Minnesota, but officials have reiterated that their focus remains on individuals with outstanding deportation orders, criminal histories, or security-related concerns. This stance has not eased worries for many Somali residents, who say previous enforcement actions have felt unpredictable and overly aggressive.

Businesses across the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metro area, particularly in Somali-dense neighborhoods such as Cedar-Riverside, have reported quieter streets and reduced customer activity as fears of possible raids grow. Community elders say this decline reflects an atmosphere of uncertainty that affects not just immigration cases but also economic stability and emotional well-being.

For many Somali Minnesotans, the situation represents more than a policy dispute—it is a test of resilience, solidarity, and the strength of community networks built over decades. As the state awaits clarity from federal authorities, residents continue to prepare, hoping for transparency but bracing for the possibility of heightened enforcement.

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