ICE reportedly targeting Somalis in Minneapolis

Immigration orders shake MN Somali community

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem made a big statement regarding visas that could affect the Somali community in Minnesota during a cabinet meeting with President Trump on Tuesday. FOX 9’s Soyoung Kim spoke with one immigration attorney to get his reaction on Noem's comments, while Maury Glover spoke with those in the local Somali business community for their reactions.

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Twin Cities leaders on Tuesday said an operation by the Trump Administration to target undocumented Somali immigrants is underway. 

This comes as the Trump Administration has become increasingly focused on people of Somalian descent living in Minnesota and the United States. On Tuesday, Trump said he did not want Somali immigrants in the country.

"They contribute nothing. I don’t want them in our country," Trump said. "Their country is no good for a reason."

Minnesota is home to the United States' largest Somali community. 

ICE ramping up enforcement in Twin Cities

ICE is planning on bringing more immigration enforce to the Twin Cities following President Donald Trump's comment on not wanting Somalis in the United States. FOX 9's Rob Olson has the latest.

Find updates on immigration enforcement in Minnesota below. 

2 p.m. - 2 men questioned by ICE

2 men questioned by ICE in Minneapolis [RAW]

Two men were questioned by ICE in Minneapolis on Tuesday afternoon. They asked to see their passport. Here's the interview.

Two men were questioned by ICE in Minneapolis on Tuesday afternoon. They asked to see their passport.

Watch the interview above. 

1:30 p.m. - ICE targets Somalis in Minnesota

ICE targeting Twin Cities Somalis: MPD not aiding in immigration enforcement

Minneapolis and St. Paul officials are addressing reports of up to 100 federal agents being deployed to the Twin Cities, with a focus on the Somali community. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara clarified that the department does not collaborate with federal agencies for immigration enforcement or share information with immigration authorities.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, Police Chief Brian O'Hara, Council Member Jamal Osman and St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter spoke at a news conference on Tuesday about ICE enforcement in the Twin Cities, saying it's underway. The Minneapolis Police Department says it is not aiding in ICE enforcement. 

Read more here.

1 p.m. - Trump criticizes Walz, says he doesn't want Somalis in "our country"

Pres. Trump on 'incompetent' Gov. Walz, Somalis, Rep. Ilhan Omar [FULL]

President Donald Trump during his cabinet meeting on Tuesday called Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz "grossly incompetent" and criticized his handling of Somalis in Minnesota. Trump also made disparaging remarks about Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar. Trump went on to claim Somali immigrants have defrauded Minnesota out of billions of dollars, and saying he doesn't want immigrants from Somalia in the United States.

During a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, President Trump was asked about Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and if he should resign after several cases of fraud in the state. He labeled Walz as "grossly incompetent" and expressed similar sentiments about U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minnesota). He criticized their handling of issues in Minnesota, particularly in relation to the Somali community. 

Trump said he does not want people from Somalia in the United States, saying Somalis "ripped off" the state of Minnesota and "contribute to nothing." 

"I don't want them in our country," Trump said, adding he doesn't care if that's not politically correct. 

12:27 p.m. - Walz reacts to targeting immigrants

Gov. Walz says he 'welcomes' fraud investigation

The Treasury Secretary is investigating claims that Minnesota state funding is being sent to terrorists overseas. Gov. Walz fired back Tuesday morning, saying he welcomes the investigation but called the president’s threats politically motivated. FOX 9’s Bill Keller reports.

In a post on X, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said, "We welcome support in investigating and prosecuting crime. But pulling a PR stunt and indiscriminately targeting immigrants is not a real solution to a problem."

READ MORE: Gov. Walz 'welcomes' federal probe into fraud allegations: 'You commit fraud, you're going to prison'