On Friday night, President Donald Trump declared the termination of a program that has been safeguarding many Somalis in Minnesota from deportation.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump announced that the federal government’s Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for thousands of Somali immigrants in the largely Democratic state would “immediately lift and take effect.” He also criticized Democratic Governor Tim Walz, asserting that under his leadership, Minnesota has become a center for money laundering and gang violence linked to Somali groups.
“Minnesota, under Governor Walz, has developed into a hub for illegal money laundering. As President of the United States, I hereby end the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program for Somalis in Minnesota, effective immediately,” Trump stated.
He further claimed, “Somali gangs are terrorizing the people of this great country, and billions of dollars are missing. Send them back where they came from—it’s over!”
Reports indicate that Minnesota’s Somali community has allegedly redirected substantial taxpayer funds to al-Shabab, an extremist group in Somalia, according to a City Journal report which cited a former Minnesota law enforcement official.
One al-Shabab member has been convicted for allegedly plotting a terrorist attack reminiscent of 9/11, with plans set for 2024.
The Somali population in Minnesota is estimated to be around 79,000. Many, about 55.8%, are foreign-born, with 78.1% residing in the Twin Cities area. It’s noteworthy that Minnesota hosts the largest Somali community in the U.S.
Governor Walz commented on Trump’s decision, suggesting that targeting entire communities is a tactic used to shift focus from other issues. He is often considered a significant player in the Democratic Party, although he didn’t secure the vice-presidential nomination in 2024.
Ilhan Omar, a Democratic Rep from Minnesota born in Somalia, responded to Trump’s announcement, asserting that she and the majority of Somali-Americans are here to stay. “I am a citizen, and so are the majority of Somalis living in the United States,” she posted. “Good luck celebrating policy changes that don’t have a major impact on the Somalis you hate.”
Omar has been a vocal supporter of progressive politics and came to the U.S. with her family after fleeing the civil war in Somalia.
Similarly, Senator Omar Fateh also reacted, pointing out Trump’s lack of authority to unilaterally end the TPS program, adding that perhaps this was a diversion from more pressing matters.
Once TPS is granted, individuals cannot be detained by the Department of Homeland Security based solely on their immigration status. TPS can be designated for countries facing conditions that temporarily hinder the safe return of their nationals.
Minnesota has not supported a Republican presidential candidate since 1972 and hasn’t elected a Republican governor since 2006. Walz is expected to run for a third term in 2026, and he has reportedly stepped back from presidential aspirations for 2028.
The White House directed further inquiries about Trump’s post to the Daily Caller News Foundation, while Walz’s office did not respond promptly to requests for comments.
