Trump Terminates Deportation Protections for Somalis in Minnesota

Former President Donald Trump has announced the immediate termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somalis residing in Minnesota, citing concerns over alleged fraudulent activities and connections to the terrorist organization Al-Shabaab. This decision, communicated on November 21, 2025, through a post on Truth Social, has significant implications for the large Somali community in the state.

In his post, Trump stated that Minnesota, under Governor Tim Walz, has become “a hub of fraudulent money laundering activity.” He declared, “I am, as President of the United States, hereby terminating, effective immediately, the Temporary Protected Status for Somalis in Minnesota.” He further alleged that Somali gangs are terrorizing residents and claimed, “BILLIONS of Dollars are missing,” concluding with a directive: “Send them back to where they came from. It’s OVER!”

The TPS program was established to provide temporary legal status to individuals from countries experiencing dangerous conditions. For Somalis, this program has allowed many to live and work in the U.S. since the early 1990s due to ongoing instability in Somalia. Trump’s abrupt announcement raises urgent concerns about the future of these individuals and the potential impact on the communities they inhabit.

The context for Trump’s decision includes ongoing investigations into financial fraud in Minnesota, specifically related to the Feeding Our Future initiative, which was intended to provide meals to children during the COVID-19 pandemic. A report from the Manhattan Institute, authored by Ryan Thorpe and Christopher F. Rufo, alleges that this program was exploited to embezzle hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funds, with claims that stolen money was funneled to Al-Shabaab.

The report’s findings suggest a complex network of fraudulent activities involving various organizations, including Minnesota’s Medicaid Housing Stabilization Services program. This connection between local fraud and international terrorism adds a troubling dimension to the ongoing discussions surrounding the Somali community in Minnesota.

Federal counterterrorism sources have reportedly confirmed some of these allegations, lending credibility to the claims of financial misconduct. The impact of this situation is compounded by existing challenges in Minnesota, where issues of fraud and economic instability have already been pressing concerns.

The political ramifications of Trump’s decision are expected to be significant. Local and national media outlets have reached out to Governor Walz’s office and the White House for comments, reflecting the heightened attention surrounding the issue. The allegations linking Somali individuals to criminal and terrorist activities will likely fuel contentious debates in the political arena, particularly regarding immigration and national security.

The termination of TPS for Somali nationals poses serious implications for individuals and families who rely on this legal status for their livelihoods. As the situation unfolds, it raises critical questions about the protection of vulnerable populations, legal fairness, and due process.

As investigations continue and more details emerge, the legal and political landscape for the Somali community in Minnesota may undergo profound changes. The potential for community upheaval and increased tensions is evident, highlighting the urgent need for dialogue and understanding in addressing these complex issues.