US immigration agents used pepper spray on protesters in Minneapolis on Tuesday, following a confrontation where residents blocked the officers’ vehicles, forcing them to leave the area. The incident occurred in Minnesota’s state capital, which is home to the largest Somali community in the United States. This community has recently been targeted by the Trump administration for mass deportation.

The federal agents launched an enforcement operation last week, focusing on Somali immigrants living in the US without proper documentation. However, it has been reported that fewer than half of those detained are of Somali origin. This development comes amidst heightened tensions, sparked by President Trump’s remarks about Somali immigrants, in which he referred to them as “garbage” and claimed they “contribute nothing” to the country. These comments have been met with widespread condemnation in both the US and Somalia.

The controversy surrounding Somali immigrants in the US was reignited by reports of fraud in social security programs in Minnesota. State officials have denounced President Trump’s rhetoric, pledging to protect the Somali community. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has stated that city police will not participate in federal immigration enforcement operations. This stance reflects the state’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of its residents, regardless of their immigration status.

The situation in Minneapolis is part of a broader debate on immigration policy in the US. The Trump administration has been actively pursuing stricter immigration laws and increased enforcement, which has led to concerns among immigrant communities nationwide. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the federal government will proceed with its enforcement operations in Minneapolis and other cities with large immigrant populations. The response from state and local authorities will be crucial in determining the impact of these operations on the communities involved.