A Somali-American leader and Ramsey County sheriff civilian officer was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Friday afternoon and brought to Freeborn Adult Detention Center.
Omar Abdi Jamal, of Minneapolis, has lived in the U.S. for 20 years, according to the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office. He joined the sheriff’s office as a civilian Community Service Officer in 2020.
“Omar Jamal has played an integral role in helping us liaison with the Somali community in Minnesota, which has the largest population of Somalis in the country,” Steve Linders, Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office spokesman, said in a statement. “He’s done a great job in that role.”
Jamal’s attorney said that a judge previously granted Jamal protection against deportation.
“Years ago, a U.S. immigration judge found that Mr. Jamal would face persecution if returned to Somalia and granted him protection from removal under U.S. law,” said attorney Abdiqani A. Jabane. “We are aware that ICE may now be exploring alternate removal options. However, Mr. Jamal is not a citizen of any other country, including Canada.”
Jabane said his office is “reviewing the basis for his detention and will pursue all appropriate legal avenues to protect his rights and ensure he is treated in accordance with the law. We urge ICE to act with transparency and fairness, and we ask the community to remain engaged and supportive during this time.”
Jamal has “spent decades advocating for public safety, interfaith cooperation, and stronger relationships between law enforcement and immigrant communities. He has worked closely with the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office and is widely recognized for his leadership and community engagement,” Jabane said.
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