U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has apprehended a convicted sex offender, Mahad Abdulkadir Yusuf, during a targeted operation in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on December 31, 2025. Authorities stated that Yusuf, a Somali national, had been living in the United States unlawfully and posed a continuing threat to public safety. Despite his serious criminal history, he had remained free for years.
Yusuf was previously convicted of first-degree criminal sexual conduct for forcing a victim to perform oral sex on him repeatedly. ICE records indicate that he was arrested in 2016 for first-degree assault and had an active warrant issued in 2024 for obstructing police. He originally entered the United States in 1996 and later obtained lawful permanent residency, which was revoked following his convictions.
In a statement, ICE remarked, “He threw away his shot at the American dream by repaying our country’s generosity with these vicious crimes.” The agency highlighted that Yusuf’s arrest reflects ongoing enforcement efforts to remove individuals who threaten community safety.
Local Policies Under Scrutiny
Federal officials attributed Yusuf’s prolonged freedom to Minnesota’s sanctuary-style policies, which they argue shield individuals from federal enforcement actions. ICE criticized Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey for policies that allegedly allowed Yusuf to evade arrest for years.
“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 stated.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) officials claimed that previous attempts to take Yusuf into custody were obstructed by an apartment manager who allegedly denied ICE agents access. HSI Special Agent in Charge Mark Zito emphasized the risks posed by local policies that prevent cooperation with federal law enforcement. He stated, “Every time local jurisdictions refuse to cooperate with ICE, and every time activists use their ridiculous whistles and bullhorns to alert criminal aliens, they are helping violent offenders, including convicted sex predators like this one, escape justice.”
Context of the Arrest
The arrest occurs against a backdrop of heightened scrutiny of ICE following a recent incident in Minneapolis, where 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good was fatally shot during an enforcement operation. This incident led to criticism from Democratic leaders, including Governor Walz and Mayor Frey, with Frey demanding that ICE cease operations in the city.
President Donald Trump addressed the shooting on social media, describing the footage as “a horrible thing to watch” and urging Americans to support law enforcement officers working to ensure safety. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem claimed that Good had been “stalking and impeding” ICE agents during the day of the incident and accused her of attempting to “weaponize her vehicle” against an officer.
ICE reported that over 622,000 deportations have been carried out since the beginning of President Trump’s immigration crackdown in January 2025. The agency’s actions, including the arrest of Yusuf, highlight its ongoing commitment to removing individuals who pose a threat to public safety.
