On December 9, 2025, federal agents in Minneapolis used pepper spray to disperse a crowd obstructing their vehicles during identification checks in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood, which has a large Somali American population. This incident occurred amid heightened enforcement actions linked to the Trump administration's immigration policies, particularly following the announcement to terminate Temporary Protected Status for Somalis. City Council Member Jamal Osman, a Somali American, reported that the presence of armed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in local restaurants and public areas has created a tense atmosphere, prompting community members to carry identification to avoid complications.

During the operation, while no arrests were reported, at least one U.S. citizen was temporarily detained, raising concerns about the transparency and humanitarian implications of such enforcement actions. Osman described local residents as 'heroes' for intervening during the confrontation, which resulted in the use of pepper spray against them. The incident has heightened anxiety within the community, particularly in light of inflammatory remarks made by former President Trump regarding Somali immigrants.

In a related development, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently issued an executive order designating the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as a 'foreign terrorist organization,' following a similar action by Texas. This designation, which also includes the Muslim Brotherhood, restricts state contracts and funding to these groups and individuals associated with them. CAIR plans to challenge the designation in court, arguing it is unconstitutional and defamatory.

Additionally, the Trump administration has halted immigration applications from 19 countries considered 'high-risk,' including Cuba, Haiti, and Venezuela. This decision has led to the abrupt cancellation of immigration processes, such as citizenship ceremonies and green card appointments, causing distress among affected individuals. Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar, a Republican from Florida, criticized the halt as 'unfair' and 'un-American,' highlighting the impact on innocent individuals who have complied with legal immigration processes.

These developments reflect ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement and the treatment of marginalized communities, raising questions about the balance between national security and the rights of individuals seeking refuge or a better life in the United States.