The Minneapolis Police Department’s recent recruitment of 23 new officers, including two groundbreaking hires, has sparked a disturbing wave of backlash. One of the new recruits, Ikran Mohamed, is a Somali-American woman, while another, Lesly Vera, is a Mexican immigrant who came to the United States at age four. Their historic appointments, which the department sees as milestones in diversifying its ranks, have unfortunately been met with vitriol, prompting Police Chief Brian O’Hara to publicly express his disgust.
In an interview with WCCO on Tuesday, Chief Brian O’Hara described the negative response toward the two women as both unexpected and deeply troubling. “It bothers me,” O’Hara said. “I didn’t anticipate how disgusting it would be, particularly from people who claim to support law enforcement, including former officers and chiefs. Even Elon Musk tweeting about it—it’s gross. It’s disgusting.”
The tweet in question, shared by Musk, retweeted a piece from the right-leaning website Not the Bee, which falsely claimed that Vera is working illegally in the United States. Musk’s post, referencing the fall of the Roman Empire and its reliance on non-citizens, appeared to support the article’s critical tone. However, Vera, who is part of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, is a lawful permanent resident and fully eligible for her role under federal and state laws.
In late 2022, Minnesota law was updated to allow police departments to hire applicants who are either U.S. citizens or legally eligible to work under federal requirements. Both Mohamed and Vera meet these criteria, making the criticism not only unfounded but deeply personal for O’Hara.
“Some of the hate stems from misinformation,” O’Hara explained, acknowledging that many critics falsely believe the two recruits are undocumented immigrants. “Both of these women have earned their positions just like everyone else, and it’s disgusting to see such hate directed at them.”
The chief, visibly angered, praised the courage of the new recruits. “These officers have incredible stories,” O’Hara said. “They’re unbelievably good people who had the bravery to step up and serve in Minneapolis, despite all the challenges and negativity surrounding the department.”
O’Hara emphasized that the department’s focus is on the character of its officers, not their background. He also drew historical parallels to the New York City Police Department, which was once predominantly staffed by Irish immigrants. “We’re not looking at what people look like; we’re looking at who they are.”
The backlash highlights ongoing tensions in American discourse around immigration and law enforcement, but for O’Hara, the focus remains clear—building a force that reflects the diversity and strength of the community it serves.
Minneapolis Police Department Welcomes First Somali Woman and Non-Citizen Officers
