Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced on April 16 that he is co-leading a group of 16 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief to oppose the Department of Homeland Security’s attempt to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somali immigrants. The coalition argues that removing TPS protections would cause significant humanitarian and economic harm and is urging the court to delay any revocation.
The TPS program was created by Congress in the 1990s as a humanitarian measure, allowing immigrants from unsafe countries to remain and work in the United States. The current legal action, African Communities Together v. Noem, focuses on whether Somali nationals should continue receiving these protections.
“I’m deeply disturbed by President Trump’s racist attacks on our Somali neighbors, and this unlawful attempt to strip TPS protections from Somali refugees is just his latest disgraceful attack on the Somali community,” said Attorney General Ellison. “It’s astonishing that the Trump administration is saying both that Somalia is too dangerous to travel to, but safe enough for refugees to return to. Their double speak on this issue clearly demonstrates their approach to TPS for Somali refugees is not rooted in fact. I’m standing up to this unlawful act in the hopes of averting the immense harm it would inflict on many people across Minnesota.” According to Ellison, since November 2025 President Trump has made public statements about ending TPS for Somalis and has used derogatory language toward members of this community.
In January 2026, Kristi Noem, then Secretary of Homeland Security, formally announced plans to terminate Somalia’s TPS designation citing national interest concerns. As of January 2026 there are over 2,400 Somali nationals with active TPS status and more than 1,300 pending applications.
Somalia was first granted TPS protection in 1991 due to ongoing civil war and instability—a situation which continues today according to State Department advisories warning against all travel due to crime and terrorism risks. Despite some claims that certain areas may be safe within Somalia, U.S. officials maintain high risk warnings throughout the country.
The attorneys general warn that ending Somalia’s TPS status could force families into difficult decisions—especially those with U.S.-born children—and negatively impact state economies reliant on contributions from immigrant workers. In Minnesota alone, Somali immigrants contribute millions annually through taxes and play key roles in industries such as health care and food processing.
Ellison led the brief alongside attorneys general from California, Massachusetts, New York and others who joined together calling for continued protection until conditions improve.
