Federal agents deployed pepper spray to force their way through a crowd blocking their vehicles in a predominantly Somali neighborhood of Minneapolis on Tuesday, escalating tensions amid the Trump administration’s recent crackdown targeting immigrant communities.
The confrontation erupted as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conducted ID checks at East African restaurants and a city-owned senior housing complex, according to witnesses. The operation comes just days after President Trump called Somalis “garbage” and announced he was terminating their Temporary Protected Status.
Community Response
City Council Member Jamal Osman, who witnessed the events firsthand, described armed federal agents entering local businesses and demanding identification from patrons. “Luckily everyone had their passport, because I’ve been telling them to have their passport with them,” Osman stated.
What began as routine ID checks quickly escalated. At a senior housing complex, predominantly white young people confronted the agents, using whistles to sound alarms and blocking federal vehicles with their cars. Agents responded by deploying pepper spray and temporarily detaining at least one U.S. citizen, who was later released after being fingerprinted and having their identity verified.
“Thank God so many people showed up there,” Osman explained. “(The agents) couldn’t get out of there because people showed up with their cars and whistles.”
Federal Justification
ICE has defended its actions as part of “Operation Metro Surge,” releasing a statement listing arrests of Somalis and others in Minneapolis with convictions including sexual abuse of minors, robbery, and domestic assault.
The agency’s statement took direct aim at local leadership: “Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey protected these criminals at the expense of the safety of Americans. President Trump and Secretary (Kristi) Noem have a clear message for criminal illegal aliens: LEAVE NOW. If you don’t, we will find you, arrest you, and deport you.”
But the operation’s focus on the Somali community has raised questions about targeting. The Minneapolis-St. Paul area hosts the largest Somali population in the United States, with about 84,000 residents — the vast majority being U.S. citizens. Nearly 58% were born in the U.S., and 87% of those born elsewhere are naturalized citizens, according to data from community organizations.
City Leadership Responds
Minneapolis officials have pushed back forcefully against the federal operation. Police Chief Brian O’Hara emphasized that the Minneapolis Police Department does not collaborate with federal agencies for immigration enforcement.
“As our mayor has stated, the Minneapolis Police Department does not work with federal law enforcement for the purpose of conducting immigration enforcement. We don’t provide information to federal immigration authorities,” O’Hara said.
Mayor Jacob Frey issued a strong statement of support for the community: “Our Somali community is not just a part of Minneapolis — they are Minneapolis,” Frey declared. “They are our neighbors, our friends, and our family — and they are welcome in this city, no matter what.”
Community Fear and Resilience
The operation has sent ripples of fear through Minneapolis’s immigrant communities. Council Member Osman, himself a Somali-American, has been working to reassure frightened residents.
“I am proud to say I am a Somali-American. This country welcomed me and my family 26 years ago. I know many families are fearful tonight…but I want you to know that the City of Minneapolis stands behind you,” Osman affirmed. He advised community members to “Stay calm, and don’t run away. Carry a ‘Know-Your-Rights’ card and always have your immigration papers with you.”
The tensions in Minneapolis reflect a broader national struggle over immigration policy in the final days of the Trump administration. Despite the federal crackdown, no arrests were reported from Tuesday’s operations at East African restaurants, where agents found only U.S. citizens.
As federal operations continue, Minneapolis officials remain adamant: their city will continue to stand with its immigrant communities, regardless of federal pressure or rhetoric from Washington.
