Omar Jamal released after settlement following ICE arrest
Omar Jamal, a Somali community advocate who has served as a civilian Community Service Officer and liaison to the Somali community with the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office since 2020, was arrested by ICE in Minneapolis on Aug. 29 and later released after a mutually agreed-upon settlement that resulted in a court order directing his release, prompting a lawsuit over his detention. DHS said Jamal had a final order of removal issued in 2011 and publicly listed alleged prior offenses, while Jamal’s attorney thanked the local U.S. Attorney’s Office and ICE personnel for their cooperation.
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🔍 Key Facts
- Omar Jamal, described as a Somali community leader, was arrested by ICE in Minneapolis on Aug. 29, 2025.
- DHS said Jamal had a final order of removal issued in 2011 and publicly listed alleged prior offenses.
- Jamal was released following a "mutually agreed-upon settlement" that resulted in a court order directing his release.
- Jamal's attorney, Abdiqani Jabane, thanked the local U.S. Attorney’s Office and ICE personnel for their cooperation in a statement after the settlement.
- Ramsey County confirmed Jamal has served as a civilian Community Service Officer with the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office since 2020 and acted as a liaison to the Somali community.
- These developments were reported by FOX 9 Minneapolis–St. Paul on Oct. 1, 2025.
📍 Contextual Background
- A federal immigration fraud special operation called "Operation Twin Shields" was conducted in the Twin Cities by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
- The operation uncovered immigration fraud schemes including sham marriages, fake death certificates, forged documents, abuse of F-1 and H-1B visas, and visa overstays.
- Minnesota has the largest population of Somalis in the United States.
- The Ramsey County Sheriff's Office employs civilian Community Service Officers who serve as liaisons with local communities.
- Uniting for Ukraine is a sponsorship program used to help Ukrainians leave or relocate because of the Russian invasion.
📰 Sources (2)
Somali community leader Omar Jamal released following ICE arrest
New information:
- Omar Jamal was released following a 'mutually agreed-upon settlement' that resulted in a court order directing his release.
- Jamal was arrested by ICE in Minneapolis on Aug. 29 and DHS said he had a final order of removal issued in 2011.
- DHS publicly listed alleged prior offenses; Jamal's attorney Abdiqani Jabane provided a statement thanking local U.S. Attorney’s Office and ICE personnel for cooperation.
- Ramsey County confirmed Jamal has been a civilian Community Service Officer with the Sheriff’s Office since 2020 and has served as a liaison to the Somali community.