An update on new policies as they stand, focusing on impacts to Minnesota
Policies:
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ICE surge. I don’t need to update you on the aggressive surge of ICE and federal agents into Minneapolis. Policy framework that might be helpful to understand the justification for vilifying protestors is in “National Security Presidential Memorandum 7”: “Countering Domestic Terrorism and Organized Political Violence.” The memorandum uses vague and inflammatory language to cast people supporting migrants – and many other civil rights issues that the administration disagrees with – as “domestic terrorists” in an effort to weaken their rights.
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Refugees. The Trump administration is reopening the cases of 5,600 refugees — many from Somalia — who resettled in Minnesota. Families have been arrested and separated. Refugees are among the most rigorously vetted entrants to the United States, and arrive legally, eligible for permanent residency and citizenship. This is a racist and vindictive action with no historic precedent.
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Temporary Protected Status. The administration ended TPS for Somalia, making hundreds of legal residents shortly eligible for detention and deportation to a country where the administration insists “conditions have improved” enough to welcome returnees (Somalia continues to experience protracted violence, drought, and hunger).
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Asylum. The Trump administration indefinitely paused asylum and parole programs in late November, and have made no indication of restarting them. That means that people who have legal work permits and open cases are left in limbo.
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Anti-poverty programs. The administration is attacking federal anti-poverty programs for children while using immigrant – and particularly Somali – communities as scapegoats.
How people can advocate:
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Tell Congress no more money for ICE. Congress have been debating the FY26 Homeland Security bill. Tell them you want increased accountability measures for ICE, and no increase in funding – especially after the $170 billion+ infusion immigration enforcement received in July. More information can be found in this ELCA Action Alert.
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Tell Congress to do everything in their power to stop the unnecessary and traumatizing re-vetting and arrest of lawfully present refugees. [This Action Alert is outdated now, but people can personalize/ update it to reflect recent events]
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Senators will be in Minnesota January 20-23, and Representatives will be in their home districts January 26-30. This is a great time to get a group together and ask for face-time with your representatives to voice your concerns. Guide to in-district meetings.
Resources: