Trump Ends Temporary Protected Status for Somalis in Minnesota
President Donald Trump revealed on Friday that he is “immediately ending the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program for Somalis in Minnesota.”
“Somali gangs are causing fear among the people of our great country, and billions of dollars have gone missing,” Trump asserted. “Send them back to where they came from. It’s done!”
This move to terminate Somalia’s TPS designation contrasts sharply with the views of Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar, who advocates for a “Somalia First” policy.
During a press conference with state Democrats, Omar had previously questioned what the U.S. government would do for Somali-Americans, suggesting that support should come from those in power.
She emphasized, “If you’re feeling threatened, remember the law is on your side. Our unpredictable president can’t change that.” Omar also expressed solidarity with the approximately 300 people affected in Minnesota and beyond, promising to aid in adjusting their status by March 2026.
The Secretary of Homeland Security has the authority to designate a country for TPS when it is enduring armed conflict, facing environmental disasters, or dealing with extraordinary circumstances, which protects its citizens from deportation for six to 18 months.
Somalia’s TPS designation was previously extended until March 17, 2026, under former Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, allowing more Somalis to qualify for the program.
According to a Congressional Research Service report dated March 31, 2025, there were 705 Somalis eligible for the TPS program.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem remarked on Sunday that TPS was intended to be a temporary measure. She suggested the need for evaluation to align with its original intent.
Trump’s announcement came after allegations surfaced about widespread fraud involving members of Minnesota’s Somali community, reported by Blaze TV Host Christopher Rufo and investigative journalist Ryan Thorpe. They looked into claims suggesting that stolen Medicaid and welfare funds were funneled to terrorists overseas.
A confidential source indicated, “Minnesota taxpayers are among the largest contributors to al-Shabaab.”
Omar reacted by asserting that the legal troubles faced by a few should not define an entire community. She pointed out that just 57 individuals out of more than 42,500 Somalis in Minnesota have been convicted.
Omar contended that Trump has no real evidence linking her community to anti-government activities. Accusations of terrorist funding, she claimed, endanger Somalis across the nation.
Further condemning Trump, Omar characterized supporters of his policies as “ignorant,” suggesting that believing his claims reflects poorly on the American public.
Jaylani Hussain, Executive Director of CAIR Minnesota, expressed anger over Trump’s announcement. He described the decision, driven by misinformation possibly fueled by political bias, as a direct attack on the Somali and Muslim community.
