Somali leader Omar Jamal detained by ICE agents in downtown Minneapolis

Omar Jamal, a prominent leader in the Twin Cities Somali community, was detained by U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minneapolis on Thursday. Currently held at the Freeborn County jail in Albert Lea, Jamal's detainment has sparked concern among community members. Arriving in the U.

S. over 20 years ago as a refugee from Somalia, Jamal has been instrumental in assisting Somali immigrants navigate the legal system. His attorney, Abdiqani Jabane, noted that the precise details of Jamal’s immigration status are currently uncertain, citing privacy issues. Jamal previously faced a conviction for immigration fraud in 2005, leading to a year of probation and potential deportation. His involvement with local law enforcement as a civilian community service officer highlights his role as a bridge between Somali residents and authorities.

Community leaders, including Jaylani Hussein from CAIR, expressed their disappointment, stressing that Jamal's detention exacerbates fears regarding ICE deportations. This situation underscores the broader anxieties within the Somali community about immigration enforcement actions.