The City of Minneapolis is closely monitoring credible media reports that the Trump administration will target Somali immigrants in the Twin Cities beginning this week. Mayor Jacob Frey was joined by St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, Ward 6 Council Member Jamal Osman, Police Chief Brian O’Hara and other city leaders to respond to these reports and address community members directly.

You can watch the City’s full press conference on YouTube.  

“Minneapolis is proud to be home to the largest Somali community in the country,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “They are our neighbors, our friends, and our family – and they are welcome in our city. Nothing Donald Trump does will ever change that.”

The City of Minneapolis has the most vibrant Somali-American community in the nation. The City is proud of this community and the many achievements of people who have immigrated from Somalia and now call Minneapolis home. The City stands with our immigrant neighbors and we want to reaffirm that the City of Minneapolis does not work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on civil immigration enforcement operations.

"I am proud to say I am a Somali-American. This country welcomed me and my family 26 years ago,” said Council Member Jamal Osman, Ward 6.  “I know many families are fearful tonight...but I want you to know that the City of Minneapolis stands behind you. Our community has lived through fear in the past. We're going to stay informed, we're going to stay safe and we're going to support each other.” 

The City of Minneapolis works every day to ensure Minneapolis is a welcoming place for all, regardless of immigration status. This includes providing clear information about rights and resources on how to get help and adhering to our strict policy against City participation in civil immigration enforcement activities. 

While the City cannot prevent ICE from being in Minneapolis, we will do everything in our power to keep our communities safe. The Minneapolis Police Department is here to protect everyone. If there is illegal or dangerous conduct, MPD officers will respond to assess and de-escalate any situation that is a threat to people or property, and ultimately, maintain public safety.

“I know how real the fear is in our community. People are going to want to speak out, to protest, and to exercise their First Amendment rights. Those are the rights of everyone in our community, and I want to be clear that we will absolutely defend people's rights to do just that,” said Chief Brian O’Hara, Minneapolis Police Department. “I also ask that if demonstrations do happen around any type of immigration raid, that they remain non-violent so that we can keep everyone in our community safe, so that we minimize the risk of any tragedy happening, or the immigrant communities that are already suffering to suffer that much more.”

Minneapolis is a Welcoming City; know your rights 

Minneapolis is a Welcoming City – a place where all should feel safe, respected and included, regardless of immigration status. The City of Minneapolis works hard to put these values into policy and practice because we know that when everyone in our city feels like they belong, we all benefit.

If you or someone you know is impacted, there are resources available, including free legal clinics with immigration attorneys. You can access these clinics through Community Clinics - Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid and Clinics - Volunteer Lawyers Network. To reach the City of Minneapolis Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs please call 612-673-3129 or 311.

Immigration rights and responsibilities

You can find information from our community partners on the City website. Some of that information includes:

• What to know in interactions with ICE (federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement): 
  • You have the right to stay silent and to talk with a lawyer.  
  • You have the right to refuse to sign any document until you talk to a lawyer.  
  • You have the right to not open your door until you see a warrant.  
  • Stay as calm as you can, and do not run away.  
  • Learn more about your rights in interactions with ICE from the Immigrant Defense Project.  

• How to prepare:  
  • Make a plan to prepare your family.  
  • Carry a “know-your-rights” card.  
  • Keep your immigration papers on you at all times.  
  • Meet with a lawyer to learn about your immigration options.  
  • Learn how to prepare for an immigration encounter. Attend a workshop, information session or community hours.

Learn more on the City's federal response webpage.