US Ends Protected Status for Somalis, Sets March Deportation Deadline

The United States government has announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somali nationals, a decision that will require affected individuals to leave the country by March 17, 2026, or face deportation. The move marks a significant escalation in the federal government’s hardline immigration posture.

The decision has immediate implications for thousands of Somalis, particularly in Minnesota, which hosts the largest Somali community in the United States. Immigration enforcement operations have intensified in the state, with widespread raids and arrests drawing national attention and local resistance.

Minnesota authorities have responded by seeking judicial intervention to temporarily halt immigration enforcement actions. State officials argue that the ongoing operations are destabilising communities and straining public resources, especially following recent protests triggered by a fatal encounter involving immigration officers.

Federal authorities have defended the policy shift, accusing segments of the Somali community of widespread abuse of public benefit programmes. These allegations have heightened tensions and fuelled fears among Somali families who have lived and worked legally in the US for years under TPS protections.

The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that TPS coverage for Somalis will not be renewed, stating that beneficiaries must depart voluntarily or be removed. TPS had previously allowed Somali nationals to remain in the US due to insecurity and humanitarian concerns in their home country.

Political reactions have been sharply divided. Somali-American leaders and civil rights advocates have condemned the decision as discriminatory and destabilising, while supporters of the policy argue it restores immigration law enforcement and accountability.

Meanwhile, Immigration and Customs Enforcement has continued large-scale operations across Minnesota, including public arrests that have circulated widely on social media. Local law enforcement agencies report rising security and overtime costs as protests and enforcement activities persist.

As the March deadline approaches, uncertainty looms over thousands of Somali immigrants facing the prospect of forced return, reigniting national debate over immigration policy, humanitarian protections, and the future of diaspora communities in the United States.