On November 22, 2025, former President Donald Trump announced that his administration will terminate the temporary deportation protections—known as Temporary Protected Status (TPS)—for Somali nationals living in the state of Minnesota. He declared the change would take effect “immediately,” citing allegations that Somali gangs are “terrorizing” the state, and accusing Minnesota of being a “hub of fraudulent money laundering activity.” Reuters+2The Washington Post+2
What is TPS — and who is affected?
TPS is a federal program designed to protect individuals from countries that are experiencing ongoing armed conflict, natural disasters or other extraordinary conditions that make safe return impossible. AP News+1
In the case of Somalia, TPS was first designated in 1991 due to the long‐standing civil war and instability in the country. Reuters+1
According to government figures, as of August 2025 there were around 705 Somali nationals in the U.S. holding TPS status. Reuters+1
While thousands of Somali‐Americans live in Minnesota, only a small subset are in TPS status; many are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and are not directly impacted by TPS termination. Star Tribune
Reaction and legal questions
Minnesota’s governor, Tim Walz, responded shortly after Trump’s statement, saying: “It’s not surprising that the President has chosen to broadly target an entire community. This is what he does to change the subject.” AP News+1
Legal experts point out there are significant questions about whether a President can immediately terminate TPS for an entire group in one state without following federal rulemaking procedures. For example:
- Federal law requires the Department of Homeland Security to publish notice in the Federal Register and provide at least 60 days before termination, or until the expiration of the most recent extension. Star Tribune+1
- Some advocates say such a sweeping move could be challenged in court as lacking a legal justification and could be seen as discriminatory. AP News
Why now — what’s driving the policy shift?
The Trump announcement was made via his social media platform where he accused the Somali community in Minnesota of links to fraud and gang activity, and claimed billions of dollars are missing. Reuters+1
In recent years Minnesota has seen investigations into welfare/fraud programs that involved Somali‐led service organizations, which has heightened scrutiny of the Somali community in parts of the state. Star Tribune
From the administration’s perspective, this move fits within a broader agenda of tougher immigration enforcement and reducing protections for certain immigration statuses.
What are the implications for the community?
For Somali‐TPS holders in Minnesota the announced change would mean their status could be revoked, making them subject to deportation unless protected by another status.
For the broader Somali community in Minnesota (estimated tens of thousands strong) the announcement has created fear and uncertainty—even though many are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents and not directly affected by TPS. Some community members report panic, fearing that their families could be disrupted. Star Tribune
Community groups argue the move will tear families apart, undermine public trust, and possibly fuel discrimination or hostility towards Somali and Muslim residents. AP News
Economically and socially, Minnesota’s Somali‐American community has built businesses, contributed to neighborhoods and become politically active. A disruption of their protected status could have broader ripple effects.
What’s next — process and timeline
Despite the President’s declaration of “immediate” termination, analysts note the formal process will take time. The earliest practical effective date might still be March 17, 2026, when the current TPS extension for Somalia is set to expire, unless a new extension or legal stay intervenes. Reuters+1
Legal challenges are expected. Advocacy organizations and the Minnesota Attorney General’s office have indicated they will explore all options. The Washington Post
For now, the Somali‐TPS holders and advocacy groups will await formal rulemaking or notice from DHS and monitor whether enforcement begins.
Final thoughts
This development marks one of the more dramatic immigration‐related announcements by the Trump administration, targeting a specific community in a single state. While the number directly affected may be small, the symbolic impact is considerable. It raises critical legal questions about the limits of presidential authority, the role of TPS in U.S. immigration law, and the implications for immigrant communities in America.
As with all major immigration policy changes, the coming weeks will be crucial to see how the rulemaking process unfolds, whether courts intervene, and how communities respond on the ground.