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Sunday 22/02/2026

Trump Administration Ends Deportation Protection for Somali Immigrants

Protesters in Minnesota holding signs against ending TPS for Somalis
Ethan BrooksEthan Brooks

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • The Trump administration is ending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somali immigrants, affecting approximately 2,500 individuals.
  • Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that conditions in Somalia have improved, negating the need for TPS.
  • The decision has sparked protests, particularly in Minnesota, home to a large Somali community.
  • Critics, including the Council on American-Islamic Relations, argue the move is a discriminatory attack on vulnerable communities.
  • The administration's actions have been linked to broader immigration enforcement efforts in Minnesota, amid allegations of fraud.

The Trump administration has announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somali immigrants in the United States, a move that could lead to the deportation of approximately 2,500 individuals. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem justified the decision by stating that conditions in Somalia have improved sufficiently, rendering the TPS designation unnecessary. "Temporary means temporary," Noem emphasized, adding that allowing Somali nationals to remain in the U.S. is "contrary to our national interests."

Impact on Somali Community

The revocation of TPS is set to take effect on March 17, stripping Somali immigrants of their work authorizations and legal status. This decision has been met with significant backlash, particularly in Minnesota, which hosts a large Somali diaspora. The state has witnessed protests following the announcement, with demonstrators expressing concerns over the potential deportation of community members to a still-unstable Somalia.

Criticism and Legal Challenges

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has condemned the administration's decision as a "bigoted attack" on one of the most vulnerable Black and Muslim communities in the U.S. "This decision does not reflect changed conditions in Somalia," CAIR stated, arguing that the move is rooted in exclusion rather than public safety.

Broader Immigration Enforcement

The termination of TPS for Somalis is part of a broader immigration enforcement strategy by the Trump administration, which has increased the presence of immigration officers in Minnesota. This surge has been linked to allegations of fraud within the state's childcare industry, claims that have been used to justify heightened enforcement actions. The administration's approach has been criticized for targeting Minnesota due to its diversity and political differences with the federal government.

Controversial Remarks and Actions

President Trump has made controversial remarks regarding Somali immigrants, suggesting they should "go back to where they came from" and referring to them as "garbage." These comments have fueled tensions and protests, particularly following the fatal shooting of Renee Good, a U.S. citizen, by an immigration enforcement agent in Minneapolis. The incident has sparked widespread demonstrations across the country, with local officials disputing the administration's claim of self-defense.

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

The termination of TPS for Somali immigrants is likely to face legal challenges, as similar attempts to end protections for other nationalities have been contested in court. The decision could further strain relations between the federal government and states like Minnesota, which may pursue legal action against what they perceive as discriminatory enforcement practices. Experts suggest that the move could exacerbate tensions within immigrant communities and lead to increased scrutiny of the administration's immigration policies. As the March deadline approaches, advocacy groups are expected to intensify efforts to protect affected individuals and challenge the administration's actions.