In a significant policy shift, former President Donald Trump declared on Friday night that he is ‘immediately’ ending Temporary Protective Status (TPS) for Somali migrants residing in Minnesota. This move is part of a broader effort to dismantle immigration protections that his administration has consistently targeted. Minnesota, home to the largest Somali community in the United States, has long been a refuge for individuals fleeing the prolonged civil war in Somalia, attracted by the state’s supportive social programs. However, the actual number of migrants affected by this decision may be minimal. A congressional report from August revealed that only 705 Somalis nationwide are currently covered by TPS. Established in 1990, the TPS program was designed to prevent the deportation of individuals to countries experiencing natural disasters, civil unrest, or other hazardous conditions. The Homeland Security Secretary has the authority to grant TPS in 18-month increments. Trump announced his decision on social media, alleging that Minnesota is ‘a hub of fraudulent money laundering activity’ and accusing Somali gangs of terrorizing the state. He vowed to send them back to their country of origin, stating, ‘It’s OVER!’ This announcement aligns with Trump’s campaign promise to deport millions of people and his administration’s broader agenda to implement stringent immigration policies. Previously, the Trump administration had revoked TPS for hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans and Haitians, and sought to limit protections for migrants from Cuba, Syria, and other nations.
Trump says he’s terminating legal protections for Somali migrants in Minnesota
