UPDATE: U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar and other Somali leaders in Minnesota are taking immediate action following President Donald Trump’s alarming threat to revoke protections for Somali Minnesotans. On November 24, 2025, in a rally at the Minnesota Capitol, they rallied against Trump’s declaration to end the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somalis “effective immediately.”
Late Friday, Trump posted on Truth Social, accusing Minnesota of being a hub for fraudulent activities and claiming that Somali gangs are terrorizing the state. “Send them back to where they came from. It’s OVER!” he wrote. This incendiary statement has sparked severe backlash from local leaders who fear for the safety and rights of the Somali community.
According to a 2025 congressional report, there are 705 Somalis in the U.S. on TPS, with an estimated 300 residing in Minnesota. Omar emphasized that Trump lacks the legal authority to revoke TPS, stating, “Even little kids in eighth grade know that that is not an authority that the president has.”
Trump’s threat follows a report from the conservative think tank the Manhattan Institute, which alleges that funds from Minnesota programs like Feeding Our Future have been misappropriated and linked to Al-Shabaab, a militant group in Somalia. Omar refuted these claims, insisting there is no evidence to support that taxpayer money has funded terrorism.
“This language is dangerous; it puts the lives of Somalis in danger,” Omar declared. “In this country, we do not blame a whole community for the actions of a few.”
Senator Zaynab Mohamed echoed these sentiments at the rally, asserting that Trump’s comments are a tactic to “purge” communities like hers. St. Paul Mayor-elect Kaohly Her also expressed concern, stating, “Painting an entire community with a broad brush has created an untrue narrative.”
On the other side, Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth supported Trump’s remarks, emphasizing the need for accountability for those involved in fraudulent activities. Senators Jordan Rasmusson and Paul Utke have urged an investigation into claims that funds have aided terrorist activities, citing potential national security risks.
Civil rights attorney Alec Shaw clarified that TPS status can only be revoked by the Secretary of Homeland Security, emphasizing, “While this is cause for concern, it’s not a cause for panic.” He assured that legal challenges would arise if any attempts were made to terminate TPS.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is closely monitoring the situation and is prepared to explore all options to protect TPS holders. He noted past successful legal efforts against similar attempts during Trump’s first term.
Community leaders are increasingly concerned about the potential for violence resulting from Trump’s rhetoric. Yusuf Abdulle, executive director of the Islamic Association of North America, recalled past incidents of hate-based violence, stating, “We’ve had enough of politically motivated violence, and we’re not going to stand for it here in Minnesota.”
As tensions rise, the urgency for action and solidarity within the Somali community in Minnesota is palpable. The coming days will be critical as leaders prepare to respond to this latest development with both legal challenges and community support initiatives. The stakes are high, and the impact of Trump’s threats is being felt deeply across Minnesota.
