U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the immediate termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somali nationals residing in Minnesota, framing the move as part of his broader effort to tighten immigration policies.
In a post on his Truth Social platform on Friday, Trump declared: “I am hereby terminating, effective immediately, the Temporary Protected Status (TPS Program) for Somalis in Minnesota,” while alleging without evidence that “Somali gangs” were responsible for harming local residents. He added, “Send them back to where they came from. It’s OVER!”
TPS provides eligible migrants with protection from deportation and authorization to work in the United States. It is typically granted to individuals unable to safely return to their home countries due to armed conflict, natural disaster, or other extraordinary conditions.
Minnesota is home to one of the largest Somali communities outside of Africa, built over decades as people fled conflict and instability in Somalia.
According to Congressional records, 705 Somali nationals held TPS as of March 31, while the Department of Homeland Security estimated that an additional 4,300 individuals could become eligible if the program were extended.
TPS for Somalia was first instituted in 1991 and was most recently renewed in July 2024, with U.S. officials citing ongoing security concerns, including persistent threats from the militant group Al-Shabaab, an Al-Qaeda affiliate active since the mid-2000s.
Part of a Wider Immigration Crackdown
Trump’s decision aligns with a larger agenda to dismantle or restrict humanitarian immigration programs. His team has also sought to eliminate TPS protections for nationals of Afghanistan, Haiti, South Sudan, Venezuela, and several other countries.
These actions have spurred numerous legal challenges, and immigration experts expect Trump’s latest directive regarding Somalis to face court scrutiny as well.
In a separate policy shift, the U.S. would cap refugee admissions at 7,500 for fiscal year 2026—a dramatic reduction from the more than 100,000 admissions per year permitted under the Biden administration.
Political Repercussions
In his online post, Trump also attacked Minnesota’s Democratic Governor Tim Walz, accusing him of unspecified “laundering activity,” though he provided no evidence to support the claim.
He additionally revived past criticism of Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, a Somali-born Democrat and frequent target of his rhetoric, continuing to urge that she should “go back” to Somalia.
Trump’s comments have renewed debate over immigration policy, community safety, and the treatment of minority groups as the political climate intensifies.
About the Author
