Somali Immigrant Hanad Forced Into Hiding Amid ICE Crackdown in Minnesota

Trump's immigration policies and fraud allegations against Somali Americans lead to aggressive ICE operations that have torn apart Minneapolis communities.

Published on Mar. 3, 2026

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Hanad, a Somali immigrant living in Minneapolis, has been forced into hiding for the past two months to avoid being detained by ICE agents conducting aggressive immigration enforcement operations in the city. Hanad initially had temporary protected status while awaiting a ruling on his asylum claim, but the Trump administration revoked TPS for Somalis. He now fears deportation back to Somalia, where he says his life is in danger. The ICE crackdown, known as 'Operation Metro Surge,' was sparked by fraud allegations against Somali Americans, which Trump and conservatives used to justify mass deportations targeting the entire Somali community in Minnesota.

Why it matters

The ICE operations in Minnesota have caused significant disruption and fear within the Somali immigrant community, with many forced into hiding and unable to go about their daily lives. Critics allege the crackdown is political retribution against a Democratic-leaning state and sanctuary city that has opposed Trump's immigration policies. The case highlights the human toll of aggressive immigration enforcement and the potential for such policies to unfairly target entire minority communities.

The details

Hanad, a Somali-born immigrant, initially stayed in his own home when the ICE operations began in December 2025, but the risk became too great. He eventually fled to a safehouse, where he has been confined for the past two months, afraid to leave in case he is reported to ICE. Hanad was granted temporary protected status (TPS) while awaiting a ruling on his asylum claim, but the Trump administration revoked TPS for Somalis. Now, with his TPS set to expire on March 17, Hanad faces the prospect of deportation back to Somalia, where he fears for his life.

  • In December 2025, ICE and Border Patrol agents swarmed Minnesota as part of 'Operation Metro Surge.'
  • In January 2026, the Trump administration scrapped temporary protection status (TPS) for people from Somalia like Hanad.
  • Hanad's TPS is set to expire on March 17, 2026.

The players

Hanad

A Somali-born immigrant living in Minneapolis who has been forced into hiding to avoid detention by ICE agents.

Donald Trump

The former US president who initiated aggressive immigration enforcement operations targeting the Somali community in Minnesota.

Jacob Frey

The Democratic mayor of Minneapolis who has criticized the Trump administration's ICE operations as politically motivated retribution against the city's sanctuary policies.

Tim Homan

Trump's 'border tsar' who took command of immigration enforcement in Minnesota after the deaths of two anti-ICE protesters.

Lizzie

A community organizer in Minnesota who has been tracking the movements of ICE agents and assisting those targeted by the immigration crackdown.

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What they’re saying

“Life was good before these operations began. I had my own place and was able to pay rent.”

— Hanad (SBS Dateline)

“We could not leave our homes because ICE agents were waiting for us at the parking lot. So, we couldn't even leave our homes and go to work. There were days that we could not even go out to get food.”

— Hanad (SBS Dateline)

“As a pessimistic optimist? I think we're f—ked.”

— Lizzie, Community organizer (SBS Dateline)

What’s next

The judge in Hanad's case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow him to remain in the US or face deportation back to Somalia.

The takeaway

The aggressive ICE crackdown in Minnesota has sown fear and disruption within the Somali immigrant community, with many forced into hiding and facing the prospect of deportation. This case highlights the human toll of Trump-era immigration policies and the potential for such enforcement actions to unfairly target entire minority communities.