Minneapolis Officials Respond, Offer Guidance After Trump 'Strike Team' Report

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — City leaders from Minneapolis and St. Paul held a joint press conference Tuesday in response to reports that the Trump administration plans to target Somali immigrants in the Twin Cities this week.

The briefing came hours after the New York Times reported that the Trump administration has deployed specialized "strike teams" to Minneapolis and St. Paul as part of a large-scale operation focused on Somali migrants.

Roughly 100 federal officers and agents have reportedly been brought in from around the country, with the effort prioritizing Somalis who have final deportation orders.

Mayor Jacob Frey, St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, Ward 6 Council Member Jamal Osman, Police Chief Brian O’Hara, and other officials addressed the reports and urged residents, particularly Somali community members, to stay informed.

"Minneapolis is proud to be home to the largest Somali community in the country," Frey said. "They are our neighbors, our friends, and our family, and they are welcome in our city. Nothing Donald Trump does will ever change that."

Earlier in the day, local officials had already begun warning of increased enforcement activity.

Minneapolis City Council Member Jason Chavez said his office has heard reports of stepped-up federal presence in parts of South Minneapolis, including residents who reported being followed while driving, stopped, and taken into custody.

Both Minneapolis and St. Paul have "separation ordinances" that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities; the Trump administration is currently suing both cities over those policies.

City leaders on Tuesday reiterated that Minneapolis does not participate in federal civil immigration enforcement and does not work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement on such operations.

While the city cannot prevent ICE from entering Minneapolis, officials said the Minneapolis Police Department will focus on public safety and de-escalation should any enforcement actions occur.

Osman, who represents Ward 6, spoke directly to Somali residents. “I know many families are fearful tonight, but I want you to know that the City of Minneapolis stands behind you,” he said.

Police Chief Brian O’Hara said demonstrations are likely if federal actions take place and emphasized that MPD will protect residents’ First Amendment rights. He asked that any protests remain nonviolent to minimize risk to community members.

The press conference also came amid weeks of escalating rhetoric and policy decisions from Trump directed at Minnesota’s Somali community. Last week, he announced plans to immediately terminate Temporary Protected Status for Somalis, though the shift is expected to affect a relatively small number of people.

Census data shows that most Somali immigrants in the United States are citizens or legal permanent residents.

City officials said Minneapolis remains a “welcoming city” and noted that the city has compiled rights information and guidance for residents in light of the reports.