MOGADISHU, Somalia – Omar Jamaal, a Somali community leader in Minnesota, was arrested in downtown Minneapolis by U.S. immigration officials.
Jamaal, 52, fled Somalia over 20 years ago due to war and famine. He has long served as a vocal advocate for immigrants.
He is currently detained at Freeborn County Jail in Albert Lea, a facility used by ICE to hold detainees, his attorney confirmed.
ICE has not provided further details on Jamaal’s arrest. The exact reason for the action remains unclear, according to authorities.
DHS later said Jamaal was issued a final deportation order in 2011, though it was not enforced at that time.
A DHS spokesperson said, “The U.S. won’t remain a safe haven for criminals. Immigration lawbreakers are no longer welcome in this country.”
Jamaal previously faced immigration-related charges in 2005 in Tennessee, sentenced to probation with an order for possible removal by federal officials.
Court records show Jamal was also accused of assault, fraud, providing false information, and violating a restraining order involving his family.
His appeal was denied, but he continued residing in the U.S., becoming a well-known figure within Minnesota’s growing Somali-American community.
He served as executive director of the Somali Justice Advocacy Center, assisting Somali immigrants with legal matters and justice system navigation.
Jamaal frequently appeared in local media, offering commentary on police shootings, terrorism cases, and issues affecting the Somali-American population.
In 2020, Jamaal joined the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office as a civilian officer working in its community service outreach division.
Sheriff’s Office spokesman Steve Linders said Jamaal played a critical role linking police with Minnesota’s Somali community, the largest in the U.S.
His attorney, Abdikani Jabane, said legal options are being pursued and vowed to fight for Jamaal’s rights and potential release from custody.
“Mr. Jamaal has dedicated years to building trust between Somali immigrants and law enforcement,” Jabane said in a public statement.
