"Trump Axes Protections for Somali Migrants in Minnesota"

President Donald Trump Announces Immediate Termination of Protections for Somali Migrants in Minnesota In a move targeting a program aimed at limiting deportations, US President Donald Trump announced the immediate termination of temporary legal protections for Somali migrants living in Minnesota on November 21, 2025. The decision affects approximately 705 individuals nationwide, who were granted Temporary Protective Status (TPS) due to Somalia's ongoing civil war and unrest. According to the White House, Trump made the announcement in a statement, saying he was "immediately" terminating the protections for Somali migrants in Minnesota. This move marks a further escalation of the administration's efforts to weaken the TPS program, which was created by Congress in 1990 to safeguard individuals fleeing conflict and persecution. Immigration agents have new technology to identify and track people, making it easier to enforce deportations. Minnesota has the nation's largest Somali community, with many fleeing the long civil war and unrest in their home country. The TPS program was established to provide temporary relief to individuals from countries experiencing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or other extraordinary and temporary conditions. Somalia has been under TPS since 1991, and the program has been renewed every 18 months since then. This decision affects approximately 705 individuals nationwide, according to the Department of Homeland Security. The move is part of the administration's broader efforts to restrict immigration and limit the use of TPS. Critics argue that the program is essential for protecting vulnerable individuals who have fled conflict and persecution. "The administration's decision to terminate TPS for Somali migrants in Minnesota is a devastating blow to the community," said a spokesperson for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). "These individuals have been living in the US for years, working, paying taxes, and contributing to their communities. They deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, not deported to a country where they may face danger and persecution." The decision is likely to face legal challenges, as advocates argue that it is a clear overreach of the administration's authority. The TPS program was created by Congress, and any changes to it require legislative approval. The immediate termination of protections for Somali migrants in Minnesota is a significant development in the ongoing debate over immigration policy. As the administration continues to push for stricter immigration laws, advocates are urging Congress to take action to protect the rights of vulnerable individuals. The current status of the TPS program is uncertain, and it remains to be seen how the administration will proceed with the termination of protections for Somali migrants in Minnesota. However, one thing is clear: the decision will have far-reaching consequences for the individuals affected and the broader immigration community.