Trump Administration Intensifies Scrutiny of Refugees in Minnesota

The Trump administration is implementing new measures that affect refugees already admitted to the United States, particularly targeting those in Minnesota. This move follows claims that former President Joe Biden’s administration prioritized quantity over thorough screening and vetting procedures for refugees.

The situation has escalated for families like one from Venezuela, who fled their home country in 2021 after experiencing severe persecution. The family, which includes six siblings and their parents, settled in Minnesota in 2023. They had hoped for a peaceful life after being granted refugee status. However, recent actions by immigration authorities have disrupted their sense of security.

In late January, three masked officers approached the family’s apartment complex in St. Paul, handcuffing a 24-year-old daughter and her mother. They were informed that their legal status was under review. This incident is part of a broader trend, as immigration authorities have reportedly detained or questioned dozens of refugees in Minnesota, with fears that similar actions may expand nationwide.

According to advocates and attorneys, these recent detentions mark a significant shift in immigration policy. A federal judge issued a temporary halt to the arrest and detention of refugees in Minnesota while a lawsuit challenging the rescreening process continues. The judge also ordered the immediate release of all refugees detained in Minnesota and those moved to Texas.

Several refugees have expressed their anxiety and uncertainty regarding their futures in the United States. One young woman from Venezuela has not returned to her job at a clothing factory due to fear. A man who fled persecution in Myanmar is reluctant to walk the streets of Minneapolis without documentation from his church advocating for humane treatment of immigrants. Another Congolese refugee, who was arrested in St. Paul, described her experience as surreal, likening it to a movie.

Historically, welcoming refugees has garnered bipartisan support in the U.S., particularly since the passage of the Refugee Act in 1980. This legislation established rigorous scrutiny for refugee applications, making it rare for the government to second-guess decisions regarding persecution. Advocates argue that revisiting already granted refugee statuses undermines this legal tradition.

Beth Oppenheim, CEO of HIAS, a prominent refugee aid organization, emphasized that refugees undergo extensive vetting before being admitted to the U.S. She noted that the only way to strip someone of their refugee status is to prove they should never have been admitted in the first place.

In a written statement, Matthew Tragesser, a spokesperson for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, clarified that refugees are required to undergo a full inspection after one year in the U.S. He added that this requirement is not discretionary but mandated by law. While refugees must apply for green cards after one year—which entails a new level of scrutiny—the current administration’s approach to revisiting initial refugee admissions is unprecedented.

Critics of the policy argue that detaining and rescreening refugees is detrimental to vulnerable populations. Smita Dazzo, deputy director of U.S. programs at HIAS, stated that these changes could inflict severe harm on individuals already facing trauma.

One Venezuelan woman recounted her experience after being detained in Houston. She described being shackled and isolated in a cold room without food or water during her questioning, which was initially presented as a green card interview. She stated, “They told us, ‘Your status is worthless. You’re illegal.’” After filing habeas corpus petitions in federal court, she and her mother were released, but the trauma has left lasting effects.

Saw Ba Mya James, a 46-year-old ethnic Karen who fled Myanmar, arrived in St. Paul last year. Despite having applied for a green card, James avoided attending church for weeks due to fear of being detained. He received a letter on February 2, 2023, detailing a “post-admissions refugee reverification” at the local U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office. During a lengthy interview, an officer questioned him about his initial vetting, suggesting that an inexperienced employee had handled his case.

Another Congolese woman, who arrived in the Twin Cities in November 2024, faced a similar situation. On January 14, 2023, an immigration officer approached her as she parked her car, identified her as a refugee, and subsequently handcuffed her despite her attempts to present valid identification. After being flown to Houston, she was interrogated about her experiences, ultimately refusing to sign documents that would facilitate her return to her home country.

The increased scrutiny and questioning of refugees have instilled fear in many who have already faced significant hardship. As these developments unfold, the impact on refugees’ lives remains profound, raising concerns about their safety and the future of the U.S. refugee system.