The Trump administration is escalating its stance on immigration, with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) now advising Somalis in the United States to consider "self-deportation" as their Temporary Protected Status (TPS) faces imminent termination. This warning signals a critical shift, as individuals whose TPS is lifted are reclassified as "illegal aliens" and lose their authorization to reside or work in the U.S.
A Sweeping Policy Shift
This move against Somalis mirrors recent decisions by the Trump administration to end TPS for citizens of Myanmar, Venezuela, and Nicaragua. Former President Donald Trump had previously vowed a severe crackdown on Somalis, particularly those residing in Minnesota, even before the significant DC shooting incident that prompted a wider halt on Green Cards and immigration requests from various "third-world" nations.
On Truth Social, Trump explicitly targeted Minnesota, describing it as a "hub of fraudulent money laundering activity" under Democratic Governor Tim Walz. He announced his intention to immediately terminate the TPS program for Somalis in the state, alleging that "Somali gangs are terrorizing the people of that great State, and BILLIONS of Dollars are missing." This declaration was made on November 21, asserting presidential authority to end the program.
The Origin of TPS for Somalis
The TPS program for Somalis was initially established in September 1991 by then-President George H.W. Bush. Its purpose is to provide humanitarian protection to eligible foreign nationals who cannot safely return to their home countries due to ongoing civil war, armed conflict, or natural disasters.
Minnesota's Somali Community and Fraud Allegations
Minnesota hosts the largest Somali population in the United States, with census data indicating over 61,000 residents identifying with Somali ancestry out of the state's approximately 5.7 million people.
The allegations of money laundering and fraud stem from a child nutrition program, "Feeding Our Future," operated by a nonprofit organization with reported connections to the Somali community. This program became the focus of an alleged $300 million fraud scheme during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to charges against more than 70 defendants.
Following the DC shooting, Trump expanded his immigration scrutiny, ordering a review of Green Cards issued to migrants from 19 countries, including Somalia. He later reiterated his intent to "permanently pause migration" from "third-world" countries in a Thanksgiving message on Truth Social, underscoring a broad and persistent push for stricter immigration controls.
Key takeaways:
- ICE advises Somalis to self-deport as the Trump administration plans to remove TPS.
- Trump cites "Somali gangs" and "fraudulent money laundering" in Minnesota as reasons for ending TPS.
- Over 61,000 Somalis in Minnesota are potentially affected by the TPS termination.
- Allegations of fraud are linked to the "Feeding Our Future" child nutrition program.
- The TPS program, initiated in 1991, provides protection to those unable to return home safely due to conflict or disaster.
