Standing With Our Communities in a Time of Escalating Harm
In this horrific moment in the United States, Refugee Congress stands in solidarity and grieves with communities in Minnesota and across the country that are facing escalated violence, murder, and illegal immigration enforcement actions carried out by this administration. As we acknowledge what our communities are currently facing, we want to uplift resources to help people stay informed and protected.
It is reprehensible to witness the actions this administration has taken against forcibly displaced people, immigrant neighbors, and our community allies. Across the country – and especially In states like Minnesota – our Delegates and partners are hearing fear, confusion, and anxiety from refugee and immigrant neighbors.
They are witnessing violent and fatal tactics of ICE agents. The Department of Homeland Security announced it is re-examining already-resettled refugees and their families. People who have already been thoroughly screened and approved by multiple government agencies are reportedly being unlawfully detained and sent to detention centers in other states.
The administration also announced it will terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somalia, which goes into effect March 17th, 2026. This status has been a critical lifeline, and has allowed holders to contribute meaningfully to our communities, work legally, and live without fear of violence. This termination will affect more than 3,500 Somalis – notably a majority of whom reside in Minnesota.
As a result, many people are afraid to leave their homes. Our community leaders and partners have reported businesses have been closed, and those that are Somali-owned have been victims of vandalism. Somalis and other refugees and immigrants are doctors, educators, entrepreneurs, and they contribute greatly to the vibrant culture of their communities.
Why These Policies Cause Real Harm
There are more than 120 million people around the world who are forcibly displaced. Of those, 42 million are considered refugees, and fewer than one percent ever have an opportunity to be resettled. Refugees are among the most vetted travelers in the world, often enduring years of extensive screening and interviews before being approved to come to the U.S. Refugee status historically offers permanent protection and stability for families seeking safety because of war, persecution, or instability in their home countries.
Likewise, TPS holders go through a thorough screening process before and throughout their status. TPS is a safe and legal pathway that allows people seeking safety to live and work in the U.S. when returning to their home country is too dangerous. For many TPS holders, the conditions in their countries of origin have remained unsafe for decades. Terminating this protection does not create safety – it puts lives at risk.
The United States has traditionally been a global leader for refugee resettlement and a welcoming place for people escaping violence and persecution. Today, that legacy is being dismantled by the Trump administration. Instead of protection and stability, refugee and immigrant communities are being met with fear, violence, and renewed uncertainty.
Our Communities Are Already Feeling the Impact
Over the past two months, Somalis, South Sudanese, and other refugees in our communities have experienced targeted profiling and escalated violence. Refugee Congress Delegates and partners are responding to urgent concerns from families afraid to go to work, attend school, or seek medical care.
The termination of TPS for Somalia is only the latest in a series of attacks on forcibly displaced populations, especially people of non-white and Muslim backgrounds. In the last year, the Trump administration has already stripped TPS for other at-risk populations, including: Venezuela, Haiti, Afghanistan, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Burma, South Sudan. Several attempts to end TPS are being held in ongoing court decisions, including for Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua. A full list of TPS status updates can be found here.
Know Your Rights and Community Resources
As we continue to see the expansion of detention and deportation efforts, we want to uplift important Know Your Rights resources and emergency tools for our communities and those who support them. Sharing these resources can help others in your community to prepare, stay informed, and protect each other.
ReadyNow! App
ReadyNow! is a free, secure app allowing users to quickly alert trusted contacts and legal aid if detained. Learn more and share with anyone at risk: http://readynowapp.orgWhat to Do in Interactions with Law Enforcement
Multilingual Know Your Rights during encounters with ICE and other enforcement agencies provided by the Creating Law Enforcement Accountability & Responsibility (CLEAR) project.Family Preparedness & Planning Resources
Resources that will allow you to prevent and be prepared for immigration emergencies such as raids, ICE visits to your home, detention, or risk of deportation. Organized by Legal Aid Justice Center.Know Your Rights & Legal Support Resources
Multilingual Know Your Rights resources and information on legal support, provided by Muslims for Just Futures.Resource Hub for Refugees and Refugee-Serving Organizations
A collection of Know Your Rights and other safety resources for refugees and refugee-serving organizations organized by Refugee Council USA.“I live in the U.S., and I have refugee status. What should I know?”
The International Refugee Assistance Project provides a thorough explainer on your rights as a refugee in the United States and guidance on how to navigate policy changes and your rights when dealing with enforcement agents.Green Cards Holders: Know Your Rights and Risks
The National Immigration Law Center (NILC) urges all green card holders to learn what the law says about who can be deported and make a safety plan if you might be at risk.
We encourage community members, advocates, and allies to share these resources widely and to check in on one another. For more and updated information, please visit our Resources page.
