Mounting tensions over the Trump administration’s hardline immigration policies have placed the US city of Minneapolis, in the state of Minnesota, on heightened alert amid fears of large-scale protests. In response to the evolving situation, France has advised its citizens to avoid the city’s downtown area. According to Newsweek, the travel advisory issued on January 24 remains relevant due to ongoing security concerns.
In an official statement, the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs said local authorities in Minneapolis have urged residents to limit movement in the city center. French nationals have been advised to avoid large public gatherings and to reconsider or restrict travel plans if necessary.
Germany had earlier issued a similar warning to its citizens regarding travel to Minneapolis. The German Foreign Office noted that the enforcement of President Donald Trump’s strict immigration policies has heightened the risk of public disorder not only in Minneapolis but also in other US cities.
Germany’s advisory cautioned that protests linked to immigration crackdowns can at times escalate into violent confrontations between demonstrators and security forces. Citizens were urged to stay away from large crowds where violence may occur, closely follow local media updates, and remain aware of identification requirements that may be enforced in several US states.
Ireland has also issued a comparable advisory. In a notice last updated on January 15, Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs urged Irish citizens to exercise increased caution when traveling to the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area.
Amid this tense climate, Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar—a prominent Muslim lawmaker—was attacked while delivering a speech in Minneapolis on January 27. At the time, Omar was sharply criticizing the Trump administration’s controversial immigration policies and the Department of Homeland Security’s aggressive enforcement measures.
According to the BBC, during her speech an individual suddenly rushed toward the stage and sprayed a transparent liquid in her direction. The incident occurred just hours after President Trump had made deeply derogatory remarks about Ilhan Omar and Somali immigrants at a public rally.
Despite the attack, the Somali-American congresswoman demonstrated remarkable composure and resilience. Though briefly shaken, she refused to leave the stage. Addressing the audience, she said firmly:
“We will not stop speaking. Give me just ten minutes. I will not allow provocateurs to hijack our democratic platform.”
Later, in a post on the social media platform X, Omar described herself as a “survivor” and stated that such cowardly attacks would not deter her from her principles.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), a leading US Muslim civil rights organization, strongly condemned the incident, describing it as a dangerous outcome of racist and Islamophobic incitement. The organization has demanded swift justice against those responsible.
Analysts say the growing domestic political tensions surrounding immigration in the United States are now becoming a matter of international concern—clearly reflected in the travel advisories issued by several European nations.