MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota — Former ICE Director Tom Homan said Tuesday that federal immigration enforcement is intensifying in Minneapolis and St. Paul due to what he described as “criminal activity” uncovered in recent joint investigations by the Justice and Homeland Security Departments. Speaking on Fox News, Homan said the Twin Cities have become a priority target. “The uncoverings of criminal activity … just elevated their priority status,” he said, adding that more personnel are being deployed.
His comments come as reports circulate that the Trump administration is preparing a targeted enforcement operation in Minnesota, focusing particularly on undocumented Somali immigrants. The president has recently escalated rhetoric toward the Somali community, including sharp attacks on Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.).
The renewed focus follows conservative media claims that money stolen from pandemic-era fraud schemes may have been routed to al-Shabab, an al-Qaeda affiliate. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said his office is investigating the allegations, though Minnesota prosecutors have filed no terrorism-related charges. According to prosecutors, 86 individuals have been charged in fraud schemes involving meals, housing and autism therapy — most of Somali ancestry.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz criticized the administration’s approach, saying fraud should be prosecuted but that demonizing communities is “beneath” federal leadership, according to AP News. Sen. Amy Klobuchar also rebuked Trump for “stoking division,” arguing the characterization of Minnesota’s Somali population misrepresents both the community and the state’s economic health.
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