U.S. President Donald Trump is facing renewed backlash after delivering harsh remarks about Somali immigrants and signaling support for intensified federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota.

The comments, made during a recent cabinet meeting, included sweeping accusations that Somali communities “do not contribute” to the United States and a blunt assertion that he does not want them “in the country.”

The remarks emerged as multiple officials confirmed that federal authorities are preparing a large-scale immigration operation targeting Somali residents across the Minneapolis–St. Paul metropolitan area. The planned operation is expected to focus on individuals with existing deportation orders, with dozens of federal agents assigned to carry out enforcement actions.

The move follows the administration’s recent termination of temporary protection programs previously extended to certain Somali groups. This policy shift has deepened anxiety among immigrant communities, many of whom fear that the looming raids could sweep up vulnerable residents or lead to excessive federal intrusion.

Trump also launched personal attacks against Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, a prominent Somali-American lawmaker representing Minnesota’s 5th District. His comments drew swift and forceful criticism from state leaders.

Officials in Minneapolis and St. Paul announced that local police departments will not cooperate with federal immigration raids, emphasizing that such operations risk unlawful profiling and may terrify legally settled immigrants and U.S. citizens. “We will not be complicit,” several city officials stated, warning that the enforcement push threatens to destabilize local communities.

Community advocates highlighted that Minnesota is home to one of the largest Somali diasporas in the United States — a community that has long contributed to the state’s economy, culture, and civic life. Leaders denounced the administration’s rhetoric as “punitive,” “discriminatory,” and “dangerously divisive,” arguing that it undermines trust in government at a critical time.

Analysts say the emerging situation signals a significant escalation in the administration’s immigration strategy, raising broader concerns about how targeted enforcement efforts could impact minority communities nationwide. (ILKHA)