Welcome to Arrest Stories. A prominent Somali community leader and sheriff's office liaison was detained by federal immigration agents at a Minneapolis church, sparking controversy over the arrest of a respected civic advocate who has worked for years building trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities.
Here's what may have happened.
On Friday, fifty-two-year-old Omar Jamal was apprehended by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials at a church in downtown Minneapolis. The arrest was captured on camera by news crews who were accompanying the federal agents during the operation.
Jamal, who serves as executive director of the Somali Justice Advocacy Center, has become a prominent figure in Minnesota's Somali community over the past two decades. He joined the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office in twenty twenty as a civilian Community Service Officer, working as a liaison with the state's large Somali population.
The arrest stems from a complex immigration case dating back years. In two thousand five, Jamal was convicted of immigration fraud in Tennessee, receiving one year of probation and a referral for deportation proceedings. Despite an unsuccessful appeal, he was not deported at that time. A final removal order was issued in two thousand eleven, but again was not carried out.
Federal officials defended the detention. "Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, criminal illegal aliens are not welcome in the United States. America is no longer a safe haven for the world's criminals," one official stated.
However, supporters pushed back against the characterization. "Mr. Jamal has devoted decades to serving Minnesota's Somali-American community and strengthening trust with law enforcement. We are engaged with ICE and will pursue all lawful remedies to protect his rights and secure his release," advocates said.
Jamal is currently being held at the Freeborn County Jail in Albert Lea, Minnesota, which houses federal immigration detainees.
All suspects presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Do not take this report as factual, always verify facts. Thanks for watching Arrest Stories.