Gov. Walz, Frey and Carter to address ICE Twin Cities operation detaining Somali community and U.S. citizens
Gov. Tim Walz will join Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter and faith leaders at a news conference to address ICE’s "Operation Metro Surge" in the Twin Cities — a deployment that ICE says led to about a dozen arrests but that local leaders say has swept up U.S. citizens, targeted Somali neighborhoods, and involved documented use of pepper spray on crowds. The roughly 100‑agent operation, coupled with President Trump’s remarks about Somali immigrants, has prompted lawsuits by detainees and a formal request from Walz that DHS Secretary Kristi Noem review the arrests and ensure constitutional protections.
📌 Key Facts
- ICE launched 'Operation Metro Surge' starting Dec. 1 in the Twin Cities; local reports say about 100 federal agents were deployed across Minneapolis–Saint Paul and ICE says 12 noncitizens with criminal histories were arrested (agents reported arrestees from Somalia, Mexico and El Salvador, including one individual identified as a Somali gang member).
- Video and local leaders show ICE detained at least two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis (one identified locally as Mobashir/Mubashir was taken in Cedar‑Riverside and held in Bloomington; another was reportedly held downtown for more than 24 hours), and agents used pepper spray to disperse crowds and observers during enforcement actions.
- Gov. Tim Walz formally asked DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to review Minnesota ICE arrests, urged that operations 'respect the Constitution,' and announced a news conference (Dec. 23) with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter and faith leaders to address ICE targeting of the Somali community and reported detentions of U.S. citizens.
- Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara and several suburban cities publicly criticized ICE tactics or clarified local practices: MPD said it does not collaborate with ICE on immigration enforcement, and cities (Edina, Bloomington, Burnsville, Golden Valley) said they do not ask about immigration status, are not notified of ICE operations, and only enforce state/local laws.
- Community response has been significant: Somali community leaders and officials say the operations are targeted at Somalis, prompting protests, an 11 a.m. deportation‑flight rally at MSP, a 3 p.m. community press event, organized observers (more than 250 in Shakopee) helping residents, and local businesses reporting customers staying away out of fear.
- Federal officials and the White House framed the enforcement as a fraud and public‑safety effort: DHS officials claimed roughly half of the visa cases they reviewed in Minnesota were fraudulent and cited about 95,000 pending immigration applications in the state (around 6,500 listing Somalia), but DHS has not provided the underlying totals or details on resulting criminal charges.
- President Trump publicly criticized Somali immigrants in cabinet meetings and in remarks that referenced Minnesota, Gov. Walz and Rep. Ilhan Omar—comments local leaders say helped escalate fear in the community as enforcement continued.
- Legal fallout and individual cases: at least 11 immigrants detained in December have filed federal lawsuits challenging their detention (citing asylum claims, pending visa applications or naturalization eligibility); reporting also highlights individual detentions with varying circumstances, from people with prior convictions to longtime residents and those said to be on paths to citizenship.
📊 Relevant Data
The Somali population in Minnesota has grown to approximately 107,000 people as of 2024, representing about 2% of the state's total population, with many arriving as refugees following the 1991 Somali Civil War.
By the numbers: Minnesota's Somali population, according to census data — KTTC
The proportion of non-citizen Somalis in Minnesota has decreased from over 76% in 2001 to 9% in 2023, indicating a significant shift toward citizenship among the community.
Most Somali people in America and Minnesota are citizens — Minnesota Reformer
Somali immigration to Minnesota began in the 1990s as refugees fled the Somali Civil War, with resettlement facilitated by voluntary agencies such as Lutheran Social Services, which played a key role in placing them in the state due to job opportunities and existing support networks.
How Minnesota became a hub for Somali immigrants in the U.S. — NPR
Available data on crime rates among Somali Americans in Minnesota is limited, but studies indicate that crime rates have decreased in most U.S. cities with high refugee resettlement, including those with Somali populations.
Available data on crime rates among Somali Americans is limited, as ... — X (formerly Twitter) - Grok
About 39 percent of working-age Somalis in Minnesota have no high school diploma, contributing to socioeconomic challenges within the community.
Somali Immigrants in Minnesota — Center for Immigration Studies
📰 Sources (18)
Gov. Walz talks ICE targeting U.S. citizens in Minnesota: Watch live
New information:
- Gov. Tim Walz will hold a news conference at 10:30 a.m. with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter and faith leaders to address the ongoing ICE operation in the Twin Cities.
- The briefing will focus not only on ICE targeting the Somali community but explicitly on U.S. citizens who have been swept up in the enforcement effort.
- FOX 9 identifies two previously reported cases as context: a U.S. citizen known as Mubashir arrested in Cedar-Riverside and detained in Bloomington until his status was verified, and another U.S. citizen arrested downtown and held for more than 24 hours.
Minneapolis police chief criticizes ICE tactics after clash with protesters
New information:
- Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara publicly criticized ICE tactics following a clash with protesters in Minneapolis.
- The chief’s remarks add an official MPD stance to ongoing federal immigration operations and local protest response.
- Article indicates a call for different tactics/coordination during future federal operations (as characterized in the report).
St. Paul woman in turmoil after ICE detains husband unexpectedly
New information:
- ICE detained 35-year-old Senegalese citizen Hadarane Demba Ka at a gas station while he was driving to work in Hudson, Wisconsin.
- His wife, Nadia Ka, says he is on a path to citizenship and has no criminal history beyond minor traffic and parking infractions.
- Ka’s recent employment includes work at Norflex (Hudson) and prior placements in St. Paul schools via Zen Educate, which said it verifies immigration status.
- His car was found still at the gas pump; ICE has not provided specific reasons for the detention.
Minneapolis ICE surge: Citizen's detainment sparks alarm
New information:
- Video shared by Minneapolis leaders shows a U.S. citizen being taken into ICE custody in Cedar-Riverside on Tuesday.
- Gov. Tim Walz formally asked DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to review the arrests of American citizens in Minnesota tied to Operation Metro Surge.
- FOX 9 reports observers in Minneapolis have been pepper‑sprayed by ICE; AP video shows agents using pepper spray to disperse a crowd blocking vehicles.
- Rep. Brad Tabke says more than 250 observers in Shakopee are monitoring ICE activity and assisting affected community members (groceries, escorts).
- Article cites Cato Institute analysis that over 70% of ICE arrests involve people without criminal records, fueling community concern (contextual data point).
Walz tells Noem to 'respect the Constitution' after ICE agents detain US citizens
New information:
- Gov. Tim Walz sent a formal letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem urging a review of ICE operations in Minneapolis and to 'respect the Constitution.'
- Walz’s office cited reports that some U.S. citizens who refused to move back were allegedly pushed, handcuffed, transported to federal facilities, and held in isolation for hours.
- Walz encouraged Minnesotans to continue exercising their rights while avoiding escalation and recording interactions only when safe and lawful.
- Article includes new Trump remarks criticizing Minnesota’s Somali community and Gov. Walz amid the ongoing ICE operation; DHS response pending.
Gov. Walz urges Noem to review Minnesota ICE arrests after reports of detained U.S. citizens
New information:
- Gov. Tim Walz publicly urged DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to review Minnesota ICE arrests after reports that U.S. citizens were detained during the operations.
- The governor’s request adds a state-level call for scrutiny to ongoing federal enforcement actions in the Twin Cities.
ICE agents pepper spray crowd after allegedly detaining U.S. citizen in Minneapolis
New information:
- ICE agents used pepper spray to disperse a crowd blocking vehicles during an enforcement action in Cedar-Riverside.
- Council Member Jamal Osman says agents detained a 20-year-old U.S. citizen named Mobashir, transported him to a Bloomington detention center, then released him without transportation.
- AP video corroborates the pepper-spray confrontation as agents checked identifications in the neighborhood.
Federal agents use pepper spray on crowd in Somali neighborhood of Minneapolis amid Trump crackdown
New information:
- Federal agents used pepper spray on a crowd in a Somali neighborhood of Minneapolis during an enforcement action on Dec. 9, 2025.
- This Minneapolis incident is a separate use-of-force episode from the St. Paul (Bro‑Tex) operation previously reported, indicating continued, city‑wide enforcement under the Trump administration’s crackdown.
ICE operations in Minnesota: What cities are saying
New information:
- Additional Twin Cities cities (Edina, Bloomington, Burnsville, Golden Valley) issued statements outlining that they do not ask about immigration status, are not notified of ICE operations, and only enforce state/local laws.
- FOX 9 cites approximately 100 federal agents deployed to Minnesota as part of the operations, with several reported raids in various cities.
4 immigrants arrested in Minneapolis ICE roundup sue feds, fight detention
New information:
- Four immigrants arrested since Operation Metro Surge began Dec. 1 filed federal lawsuits in Minnesota challenging their detention.
- A total of 11 immigrants have filed lawsuits in December; nearly all challenge detention, with at least three facing deportation.
- Plaintiffs cite asylum eligibility, a pending visa application, or eligibility for naturalization as grounds.
- Abdul Dahir Ibrahim (of Shakopee), ordered removed in 2004, was arrested Nov. 29; DHS publicized his arrest and referenced prior Canadian convictions; he awaits a hearing on a status-renewal application.
- Mahamed Cabdilaahi Awaale, who came from Somalia in 2022 after family violence, is seeking asylum.
- Plaintiffs come from Somalia, Sudan, Ethiopia, Ecuador, Honduras, Egypt, and Mexico.
ICE: 12 criminal illegal aliens arrested in Minneapolis operation, including Somali gang member
New information:
- ICE states 12 noncitizens with criminal histories were arrested in a Minneapolis operation.
- Among those arrested, ICE says one individual is identified as a Somali gang member.
ICE arrests several individuals in Twin Cities during 'Operation Metro Surge'
New information:
- ICE conducted 'Operation Metro Surge' beginning Dec. 1 and arrested 12 people in the Twin Cities for alleged immigration violations.
- One arrestee is described as a Twin Cities gang member; others have convictions including child sexual abuse, domestic abuse, assault, and DUI.
- Arrestees are from Somalia, Mexico, and El Salvador.
- Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey publicly responded alongside faith leaders following President Trump’s comments about Somali immigrants.
DHS claims half of visas in Minnesota are fraudulent, total number not shared
New information:
- DHS says a targeted operation in Minneapolis–Saint Paul found approximately half of the cases it investigated were fraudulent.
- Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin specifies case types reviewed: naturalization, H‑1B visas, marriage fraud, and the Ukrainian humanitarian parole program.
- DHS cites more than 95,000 pending immigration applications/petitions in Minnesota, with about 6,500 listing Somalia as country of origin.
- DHS did not provide totals behind the 'half' figure or information on resulting criminal charges; FOX 9 has requested data.
Trump targeting Somali community: How many Somalis live in Minneapolis?
New information:
- Census-based estimate: about 33,521 people of Somali descent live in Minneapolis.
- Twin Cities metro estimate: more than 83,000 people of Somali descent; statewide about 107,000 (lower statewide estimate ~76,000; metro ~64,699).
- Foreign-born Somali Minnesotans: roughly 41,000, with about 87% naturalized citizens.
- Somalis comprise about 2.26% of the Twin Cities metro population and 1.88% of Minnesota’s total population (using the higher estimate).
LIVE UPDATES: ICE operations in Minneapolis reportedly starting Wednesday
New information:
- FOX 9 reports immigration enforcement operations are beginning in Minneapolis on Wednesday, Dec. 3.
- A deportation-flight protest rally is scheduled for 11 a.m. at MSP Airport.
- A 3 p.m. community response/press event is planned to denounce the targeted ICE deployment.
- Includes new on‑the‑record Trump quotes saying he does not want Somali immigrants in the U.S.
Trump's remarks, threats spark fear in Minnesota’s Somali community
New information:
- Minneapolis and St. Paul city officials say they received credible reports that as many as 100 federal agents will be deployed to the Twin Cities this week to target the Somali community.
- Local business impact: a Karmel Mall cafe owner reports customers staying away out of fear of ICE activity.
- DHS Secretary Kristi Noem made comments at a cabinet meeting regarding visas that could affect the Somali community (context for potential federal policy shifts).
LIVE UPDATES: ICE reportedly targeting Somalis in Minneapolis
New information:
- City officials held a news conference where MPD Chief Brian O’Hara said the department does not collaborate with ICE on immigration enforcement or share information for that purpose.
- President Trump, in a cabinet meeting, said he does not want Somali immigrants in the U.S., accused Somalis of defrauding Minnesota, and criticized Gov. Tim Walz and Rep. Ilhan Omar.
- FOX 9 recorded two men being questioned by ICE in Minneapolis on Tuesday afternoon and asked to produce passports.
- Gov. Tim Walz posted on X that he welcomes fraud investigations but called indiscriminate targeting of immigrants a political stunt.