As Minnesota heads toward the November ballot, the issue of illegal immigrant gang violence has risen to the top of campaign discussions. Republican gubernatorial hopeful Lisa Demuth, who also serves as state House Speaker, and U.S. Senate candidate Michele Tafoya have each issued statements demanding tougher action against Somali youth gangs that have been linked to a string of recent shootings in the Twin Cities.
New task force and law‑enforcement meeting
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) responded to the uptick in gang‑related shootings by creating a dedicated task force. The BCA is scheduled to meet with local police officials on Friday afternoon to coordinate strategies for dismantling the illegal immigrant gangs and removing their firearms from the streets.
Republican candidates call for resources
Demuth, 59, criticized the current administration’s approach, saying, “The Walz status quo isn’t working. Our campaign is committed to making Minnesota a safer place to live, work and raise a family.” She added, “Enough is enough. No community should be defined by the actions of a few, and every community deserves safety from gang violence. I will fight to give law‑enforcement the resources they need to protect Minnesotans.”
Senate candidate Tafoya echoed the concern, directly naming Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan as responsible for the surge. “We cannot allow Somali gang violence to continue threatening our neighborhoods,” Tafoya said. “Flanagan has presided over this explosion in gang violence. This has happened on her watch. Minnesotans deserve leaders who will confront this violence, support law‑enforcement, and demand accountability.”
Democratic response
Democratic U.S. Senator and gubernatorial candidate Amy Klobuchar briefly addressed crime, focusing on a thwarted terrorist plot at the Mall of America. “This shows why we continue to need major coordinated investments in anti‑terrorism and local law‑enforcement to stop attacks like these,” she said, emphasizing federal‑state cooperation rather than the gang issue.
Flanagan has not publicly commented on the gang violence, instead highlighting Medicaid access, the conflict in Iran, and cost‑of‑living concerns.
Crime data shows mixed picture
State and federal law‑enforcement data for 2025 indicate declines in overall violent crime, including rapes, assaults, and thefts across Minnesota. However, officials note that gang activity remains a significant driver of violent crime in the Twin Cities region.
Benni Jonsson, an assistant special agent in charge at the Minneapolis FBI office, said, “A large part of violent crime in our region, especially in the Twin Cities, comes from gang activity. Our agents work closely with local, state, and federal partners to target offenders in groups that cause the most harm. When we remove violent offenders and their illegal guns, neighborhoods feel safer right away.”
What voters should watch
With the election less than a month away, voters in Minnesota will hear contrasting messages: Republicans emphasizing a hard‑line stance on illegal immigrant gang enforcement and increased police funding, while Democrats point to broader public‑safety investments and social‑service priorities. The BCA task force and upcoming law‑enforcement meeting could become a focal point for assessing each candidate’s commitment to community safety.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
