On Friday, President Donald Trump announced the immediate revocation of the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somalis residing in Minnesota. This decision came as part of his claims regarding crime and financial misconduct in the state, which he termed a “hub of fraudulent money.”
Trump’s Comments on Somali Community
In a post on Truth Social, Trump criticized the Somali community in Minnesota, alleging that Somali gangs are responsible for terrorizing residents and that billions of dollars are missing due to fraudulent activities. He declared, “Send them back to where they came from. It’s OVER!”
Response from Minnesota Leaders
In reaction to Trump’s announcement, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz expressed his disappointment. He stated, “It’s not surprising that the President has chosen to broadly target an entire community.” Walz highlighted that this tactic is often used by Trump to divert attention from pressing issues.
Number of Affected Individuals
The exact number of Somalis who could be impacted by this decision remains uncertain. According to a congressional report in August, 705 Somalis in the United States held TPS at that time. This status was renewed in July 2024, with an expiration date set for March 17, 2026.
Significant Somali Population in Minnesota
Minnesota is home to the largest Somali population in the United States. Data from Minnesota Compass indicates that around 80,000 Somalis live in the state, with over half being foreign-born. Many have since acquired American citizenship.
Political Reactions
- Rep. Ilhan Omar criticized Trump’s actions, stating that most Somalis in America are citizens.
- State Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy called the directive “cruel” and “illegal,” emphasizing that it targets individuals fleeing violence.
- Rep. Zack Stephenson condemned Trump’s focus on the Somali community as divisive and politically motivated.
- The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) argued that this decision is rooted in harmful misinformation and Islamophobia.
Context Behind the Directive
The President’s announcement followed accusations from Rep. Tom Emmer regarding fraudulent activities in Minnesota. Emmer alleged that there have been numerous cases of autism diagnoses being exploited for financial gains, which he connected to funding for terrorist groups.
This year, Minnesota has seen notable fraud-related cases, notably a $14 million scheme involving autism funding. Another significant case involved a Minnesota nonprofit and a $250 million pandemic fraud scheme.
Background on Temporary Protected Status
Established by Congress in 1990, TPS aims to protect individuals from countries experiencing turmoil, violence, or natural disasters. Currently, 17 countries, including Somalia, hold TPS designations. However, since the beginning of Trump’s second term, efforts have been made to dismantle these protections, affecting many immigrant communities across the U.S.
