In a bold move that has ignited widespread controversy, President Donald Trump announced today his intention to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) protections specifically for Somalis residing in Minnesota. The decision—framed as a response to what he described as ongoing issues of fraud and security threats—targets approximately 500 individuals who have been shielded from deportation to war-torn Somalia under the program.
Trump’s announcement highlighted the well-known Feeding Our Future scandal, a federal investigation that uncovered the theft of more than $250 million in child nutrition funds intended for low-income families. According to federal prosecutors, much of the misappropriated money was funneled through fraudulent nonprofits, with allegations that portions ultimately supported al-Shabaab terrorists in Somalia.
“This is a disgrace,” Trump said during a White House press briefing. “We’re not going to let Minnesota become a haven for gangs and terrorists while hardworking Americans foot the bill. The Somali community there has been involved in too much trouble—gangs running rampant, stealing from kids’ meal programs, and sending cash to extremists. TPS ends now for them in that state.”
The president also referenced Somali gangs operating in Minnesota, which he claimed have contributed to rising crime rates in cities like Minneapolis. However, legal experts quickly pointed out that TPS designations are administered nationally by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and cannot be selectively revoked for residents of a single state. Ending or modifying TPS requires a formal DHS process, including a comprehensive review of conditions in the home country and a mandatory 60-day notice period before any changes take effect.
“This isn’t something you can just snap your fingers and do for one group in one place,” said immigration attorney Maria Gonzalez. “It would apply broadly to all TPS holders from Somalia, potentially affecting tens of thousands nationwide.”
The announcement has drawn sharp criticism from Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar, whose district includes a large Somali-American population. Omar—herself a Somali-American and a vocal advocate for immigrant rights—defended her community as an essential part of American society.
“Somali Minnesotans serve honorably in our military, care for the sick as nurses, and educate our children as teachers,” Omar said in a statement. “They are builders of this nation, not the criminals this administration paints them to be. We will fight this every step of the way—in Congress, in the courts, and in the streets.”
Protests erupted almost immediately following the announcement, with hundreds gathering outside the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul and at federal buildings in Minneapolis. Demonstrators chanted slogans like “No hate, no fear—refugees are welcome here” and held signs highlighting the humanitarian crisis in Somalia, where ongoing civil war, famine, and terrorism have made return impossible for many. Community leaders warned that revoking TPS could lead to family separations and widespread economic hardship.
In response to the uproar, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas issued a statement pledging a nationwide review of TPS designations for Somalia. “We will conduct a thorough assessment based on current conditions on the ground,” the statement read. “This includes evaluating any links to fraud or security risks, as called for by members of Congress.” The review comes amid growing bipartisan calls for deeper investigations into the Feeding Our Future scandal, with several lawmakers demanding accountability for any international terrorist financing.
The White House has not yet provided a timeline for the formal DHS process, though sources indicate the administration is pushing for expedited action. Critics argue the move is politically motivated, targeting a demographic that has frequently been the subject of Trump’s rhetoric since his first term. Supporters, however, praise it as a necessary step to restore integrity to federal programs and enhance national security.
As the debate intensifies, immigration advocates are preparing legal challenges, while Somali-American organizations mobilize to highlight their community’s positive contributions to Minnesota’s economy and culture. The outcome could set a precedent for how TPS is handled under the current administration, with ripple effects for other protected groups from countries such as Haiti, Venezuela, and Sudan.
