Trump Administration Ends Temporary Protected Status for Somali Nationals

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration announced on Tuesday that it is terminating Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somalia, a decision that will require thousands of Somali nationals currently residing in the United States to leave the country by March 17, 2026.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the policy change, stating that conditions in the East African nation have stabilized sufficiently to warrant the removal of the special status.

"Temporary means temporary," Secretary Noem said in a statement. "Country conditions in Somalia have improved to the point that it no longer meets the law's requirement for Temporary Protected Status. Further, allowing Somali nationals to remain temporarily in the United States is contrary to our national interests. We are putting Americans first."

According to data from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), approximately 2,471 Somali nationals currently hold TPS, with another 1,383 applications pending. The status was originally granted to Somalia in 1991 following the outbreak of civil war and was most recently extended by the Biden administration in September 2024.

The announcement comes amidst heightened tensions between federal authorities and state officials in Minnesota, home to a significant Somali-American population. DHS has recently intensified Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in the Twin Cities area, following investigations into a widespread fraud scheme alleged to involve members of the local community.

The crackdown has sparked legal and political conflict. On Monday, Minneapolis and St. Paul filed a lawsuit against the administration, alleging unconstitutional targeting of the state. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison criticized the federal operations, stating, "We allege that the obvious targeting of Minnesota for our diversity, for our democracy and our differences of opinion with the federal government is a violation of the Constitution."

Tensions escalated last week after a fatal confrontation during an ICE operation in south Minneapolis, which resulted in the death of a motorist. State officials, including Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, have strongly condemned the federal agency's tactics, while Secretary Noem has defended the agents involved, characterizing the incident as a response to a "domestic terrorist" threat.

Those affected by the TPS termination must depart the United States by the March deadline or face potential deportation proceedings.