UPDATE: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has confirmed the arrest of a convicted sex offender, Mahad Abdulkadir Yusuf, during a targeted operation in Minneapolis on December 31, 2025. Yusuf, a Somali national, has a troubling criminal history that includes a conviction for first-degree criminal sexual conduct and has remained free for years despite posing a significant threat to public safety.
The arrest comes amid rising tensions surrounding immigration enforcement in Minnesota, where ICE officials have criticized local sanctuary policies for allowing dangerous criminals like Yusuf to evade law enforcement. ICE stated that Yusuf had been living in the U.S. illegally after losing his lawful permanent resident status due to his criminal convictions.
According to reports, Yusuf was convicted for forcing a victim to perform oral sex multiple times and was previously arrested for first-degree assault in 2016. Authorities had issued an active warrant for his arrest in 2024 for obstructing police. Despite these serious offenses, he remained at large, raising concerns over public safety.
“Thanks to the sanctuary policies of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, this dangerous criminal was free to prowl the streets and victimize Minneapolis residents for years,” ICE declared in a statement.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) officials revealed that prior attempts to apprehend Yusuf were thwarted by an apartment manager who allegedly denied ICE agents access to his residence. HSI Special Agent in Charge Mark Zito condemned local policies that obstruct law enforcement efforts, emphasizing the dangers of such actions.
“Every time local jurisdictions refuse to cooperate with ICE, they are helping violent offenders, including convicted sex predators like this one, escape justice,” Zito warned.
This arrest comes during a period of intense scrutiny for ICE, particularly following the recent fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis during an enforcement operation. The incident sparked outrage among local leaders, with Frey demanding ICE “get the f— out” of the city, while Governor Walz issued a warning to the National Guard to monitor the situation closely.
President Donald Trump addressed the shooting on social media, calling it “a horrible thing to watch” and urging support for law enforcement working to ensure public safety. Meanwhile, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem reported that Good was “stalking and impeding” ICE agents during the operation, alleging she attempted to run over an officer.
ICE’s recent crackdown has resulted in over 622,000 deportations since Trump’s immigration enforcement initiative began on January 20, 2025. As this situation unfolds, the implications for both public safety and immigration policies in Minnesota and beyond remain critical. The agency’s actions will likely evoke further debate on the balance between community safety and immigration enforcement.
As developments continue, officials urge residents to stay informed about local law enforcement operations and the potential impact of sanctuary policies on public safety.
