Trump says he’ll immediately end Somali TPS; AP cites 705 affected nationwide
President Trump announced he would immediately terminate Temporary Protected Status for Somali nationals, calling Minnesota a “hub of fraudulent money laundering” and saying Somali gangs are “terrorizing” the state; the AP cites an August report estimating about 705 Somali nationals hold TPS nationwide, while Minnesota — home to the nation’s largest Somali community of over 37,000 people — has roughly 500 TPS recipients. Critics and officials say the president cannot unilaterally end TPS for only one state: Rep. Ilhan Omar and DHS note any change would be applied nationwide and is under review, and Somali TPS is currently set to expire in March 2026 with a 60‑day wind‑down period.
Legal
Government/Regulatory
Immigration
Local Government
📌 Key Facts
- President Trump posted that Somali TPS protections will be ended "immediately," calling Minnesota a "hub of fraudulent money laundering" and asserting "Somali gangs are terrorizing" the state.
- An AP-cited August report to Congress estimates about 705 Somali nationals are covered by TPS nationwide.
- Minnesota hosts the nation’s largest Somali community (more than 37,000 Somali-born residents), but only about 500 people in Minnesota currently hold TPS.
- TPS designations are made in 18-month increments; Somali TPS is currently set to expire in March 2026, with a 60-day period after expiration before impacts take effect.
- Rep. Ilhan Omar said the president does not have unilateral authority to end TPS and cannot terminate TPS for only one state.
- DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said DHS is still reviewing Somali TPS, will follow the law, and any decision would apply nationwide rather than only to Minnesota.
📚 Contextual Background
- Minnesota has the largest population of Somalis in the United States.
📰 Sources (3)
Rep. Omar says Pres. Trump doesn't understand the protected status law for Somalis
New information:
- Rep. Ilhan Omar said the president does not have unilateral authority to end TPS and cannot end TPS only for one state.
- FOX 9 reports TPS for Somalis is currently set to expire in March 2026, with a 60-day period after expiration before impacts take effect.
- DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, speaking in Minneapolis, said DHS is still reviewing Somali TPS, will follow the law, and any decision would apply nationwide, not just Minnesota.
- FOX 9 cites that while more than 37,000 Somali-born people live in Minnesota, only about 500 currently hold TPS.
Trump says he’s terminating legal protections for Somali migrants in Minnesota
New information:
- AP cites an August report to Congress estimating only 705 Somali nationals are covered by TPS nationwide.
- Trump’s post says protections will be ended 'immediately' and labels Minnesota a 'hub of fraudulent money laundering,' asserting 'Somali gangs are terrorizing' the state.
- Context reminder: TPS is designated in 18‑month increments by DHS; Minnesota hosts the nation’s largest Somali community.