U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity has increased anxiety in Minnesota’s Somali community, especially among families raising children with special needs.
According to reporting by BBC Somali, Somali parents in Minneapolis say worries about immigration enforcement have made daily routines, such as sending kids to school or leaving the house, feel more stressful than ever.
One mother shared that she’s constantly concerned for her children’s safety, particularly her 18-year-old son with autism. She and other parents fear being separated from their most vulnerable family members during periods of increased enforcement.
Fear among Somali families and caregivers deepened after authorities briefly detained a young U.S. citizen and left him alone.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said the city will not work with ICE to target residents who have not broken local laws.
City police leaders confirmed the same policy. They said Minneapolis police will not assist federal immigration enforcement. Local officials emphasized that immigration enforcement is not the responsibility of city police.
Community leaders have echoed this message. At Abubakar As-Saddiq Islamic Center, one of Minneapolis’s largest mosques, leaders dismissed inflammatory political rhetoric aimed at Somali immigrants. They highlighted the community’s long history of contributing to American society.
Imam Mowlid Ali said most Somali Americans are citizens or U.S.-born, and that young people in the community are active in school and civic life.
Ongoing ICE operations have left many Somali neighbourhoods under constant stress, especially around mosques, schools, and community centers.
Minnesota’s Somali community, known for its civic engagement, faces new challenges as political rhetoric ramps up. Even as city leaders and community groups try to reassure residents, families say fear remains part of daily life.
