Somali community in Minneapolis 'starving' as residents hide in apartments during ICE crackdown

Operation Metro Surge created severe disruptions to Minnesota's Somali community, the largest in the nation with approximately 80,000 residents. Community organizer Abdikarim Farah reported: 'Many Somali asylum-seekers in Minneapolis are staying in their apartments for the last two weeks, starving. They fear being captured by ICE if they come out for food.' ICE agents visited Somali-owned restaurants and businesses multiple times, causing immediate revenue collapse. Restaurant owner Abdiladif Ahmed stated: 'ICE has visited my restaurant multiple times, leading to a significant decline in customers.' Mosque attendance dropped significantly as worshippers feared being detained. Families skipped medical appointments, school meetings, and avoided grocery shopping. Activist Amina Adan captured the community's fear: 'The Somali community has always been resilient, but this feels different. We are not just fighting for our rights; we are fighting for our very existence in this city.' The psychological toll on children witnessing their families' fear was also noted. The targeting of this community followed Trump's December 2 remarks calling Somali immigrants 'garbage.'