MINNEAPOLIS — An Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation in Minneapolis in mid-February killed two U.S. citizens and triggered nationwide protests over raids targeting Somali immigrants holding Temporary Protected Status. A federal judge has temporarily blocked the authorities from removing Somali immigrants holding that status.

The administration of President Donald Trump had sought to end Temporary Protected Status for Somali immigrants by March 17, affecting around 2,500 people, arguing that security had improved in Somalia. At its peak, ICE had deployed thousands of agents in Minnesota before Tom Homan announced a draw-down, saying in mid-February that only a small contingent of ICE agents would remain in the state.

The Department for Homeland Security described its Operation Metro Surge as a victory for public safety. "We have arrested over 11,000 criminal illegal aliens who were killing Americans, hurting children and reigning terror in Minneapolis because sanctuary politicians refuse to protect their own people and instead protect criminals," the department said. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey questioned the policy. "The federal government is saying there's no need for Temporary Protected Status in the United States, while at the same time warning people not to travel to Somalia because it's dangerous. Which one is it?" Frey said.

Some joint U.S.-Somali citizens have been detained in the raids, and some of Abdi's friends were taken into custody even though they had documents proving their Temporary Protected Status. If deported, a person faces at least a 10-year bar on returning to the U.S., sometimes longer, even if they have children in the country.

A 23-year-old man from Somalia living in Minneapolis, identified by the pseudonym Abdi to protect his identity, said he rarely stays in one place for longer than five nights and sneaks out to work. "I don't know when they will show up at my house," he said.

Abdi left Somalia in 2022 after al-Shabab fighters tried to recruit him. He spent about $15,000 to travel to the U.S., including buying a Kenyan passport, flying to Brazil, and crossing the Darién Gap. After crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, he applied for asylum and for Temporary Protected Status, which allows him to live and work in the country until 2029. "I would rather live in hiding here for the rest of my life than go back to Somalia, because my life would be at risk," he said.

In parts of Minneapolis, a few shops and restaurants remained closed during what would normally be a busy time, and some vehicles remained parked for days because their owners were too afraid to return. Minnesota has been home to a Somali diaspora community since the 1990s, with many arriving following the collapse of Somalia's central government in 1991. There are about 260,000 people of Somali heritage in the U.S., more than half of whom are born in the country. Somalia has experienced chronic droughts and conflict and has been battling Islamist militants from al-Shabab for the past two decades.