Following explosive allegations that millions of Minnesota taxpayer dollars have been funneled to terrorist groups in Somalia, President Trump announced that he intends to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somali immigrants residing in Minnesota.
Minnesota is home to one of the largest Somali communities in the United States, particularly in cities like Minneapolis, where the population has become a defining part of the state’s cultural landscape.
Rep. Ilhan Omar, the Democrat representing Minnesota’s 5th congressional district, pushed back strongly against the president’s announcement. At a Monday news conference with other Minnesota leaders, Omar said the president does not have the authority to unilaterally terminate TPS.
“It is unfortunate that we are led by a president who does not understand the laws of this land,” Omar said. “When the president tweets as if he has the authority to terminate Temporary Protected Status for Somalis in Minnesota, even little kids in eighth grade know that that is not an authority that the president has and can wield. Temporary status protection for Somalis expires in March of 2026, and anyone with that status has 60 days after for it to have any impact on them. And so, if you are confused, if you feel threatened, know that the law is on your side and our demented president can’t do anything about it.”
Ilhan Omar: “Somalis have always seen as a fabric of this nation” pic.twitter.com/EzNvOzo1h0
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) November 24, 2025
Omar also argued that TPS cannot be ended for a single state: “The other unlawful thing that our lawless president is claiming to do is to terminate that status for only one state, which he has no authority to do.”
Beyond criticizing the president’s legal authority, Omar emphasized that Somali Americans are deeply rooted in the country and contribute significantly to Minnesota’s identity—remarks that drew attention given her frequent critiques of U.S. policies and institutions.