Minnesota Somalis Form ICE-Watch Patrols to Protect Their Community
In Minneapolis’ Somali-dense Cedar Riverside, residents including non-English speakers have organized patrols and a quick-alert network to spot ICE activity, aiming to deter enforcement and safeguard vulnerable neighbors. The group, SALT (Somali American Leadership Table), coalesced after a surge of federal immigration activity, and patrols operate with visible safety gear, frequent mosque breaks, and support for affected families. The community has also mobilized around protests following the killing of Renee Good by an ICE agent, while many Somalis—citizens and non-citizens alike—have been carrying identification as fear of enforcement grows. Amid economic strain on Somali businesses and calls for solidarity, leaders stress resilience and ongoing efforts to protect their community as TPS for Somalis is set to end in March.
