Prominent Somali community leader and longtime liaison to law enforcement, Omar Jamal, has been arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials in Minneapolis, sparking renewed debate within the Somali-American community.

According to ICE and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Jamal’s arrest stems from an outstanding final order of removal issued in 2011. Federal authorities cited his past criminal history, including convictions related to kidnapping, immigration fraud, false statements, and domestic assault, as part of the justification for taking him into custody.

Role in the Somali Community

Since 2020, Jamal has served as a Community Liaison Officer with the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, helping to bridge communication between law enforcement and Minnesota’s large Somali diaspora. His appointment was seen as a crucial step in building trust and fostering cooperation.

Despite this role, federal records indicate that Jamal was previously convicted of immigration fraud in 2005, serving a year in prison before being ordered removed from the United States. The removal order, however, was never enforced until now.

Current Detention

Jamal’s attorney, Abdiqani Jabane, confirmed that he is currently being held at Freeborn County Jail in Albert Lea, Minnesota. Supporters within the Somali community expressed shock at his arrest, while critics argue that his legal record had long made his position untenable.

Community Reactions

The arrest has caused mixed reactions:

• Supporters highlight his two decades of work in defending Somali refugees and advocating for integration and public safety.
• Critics argue that his history of fraud and criminal convictions undermines his credibility and the trust of both the community and law enforcement.

What Comes Next

ICE officials have not confirmed whether Jamal will be deported immediately or if his legal team will appeal for relief. His detention reignites broader conversations about immigration enforcement, community leadership, and the delicate balance between public service and past criminal records within immigrant communities.

✍️ By Dahir Alasow – Investigative Journalist