In a groundbreaking move, the Minneapolis Police Department has sworn in its first non-U.S. citizen as a police officer, marking a significant shift in the city's law enforcement recruitment policies.
Breitbart News reported that Lesly Vera, a Somali native who moved to Minneapolis at the age of four, took her oath of office on Thursday.
Vera, wearing a hijab during the ceremony, became the department's first non-citizen officer while maintaining her status as a legal resident alien authorized to work in the United States.
The decision to allow non-citizens to serve as police officers stems from new rules adopted last year by the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). These updated regulations permit state law enforcement agencies to elevate non-citizens to the role of police officer, provided they are legal residents and cleared to work in the U.S.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara defended the decision to appoint a non-citizen officer, drawing parallels to the military service of immigrants. He told KSTP-TV:
There may be people who question it, but that's completely ridiculous. There's, like I mentioned, there is a history in this country of people immediately on arrival to the country, enlisting in the military and serving. Somebody like [Officer Vera], who has been here essentially her entire life, absolutely is entitled to protect her community in the same way that anyone else here has, and we're honored to have her.
Mayor Jacob Frey also expressed his support for the new appointment, emphasizing the importance of a diverse police force. He shared his thoughts on Facebook, highlighting the significance of this milestone for the city's law enforcement.
The mayor further elaborated on the emotional impact of this development in an interview with KTSP, stating that it gives him hope for the future of the police department and its relationship with the community it serves.
Minneapolis is home to the largest Somali migrant community in the United States, with a significant influx beginning in the 1990s. The city has been a popular destination for Somali immigrants due to its generous welfare programs and the opportunity to live among fellow expatriates.
However, the community has faced challenges, including a recent fraud case involving millions in stolen Medicaid funding through a fake charity run by prominent local Somali residents. This incident has raised concerns about integration and oversight within the community.
The appointment of Officer Vera has garnered mixed reactions. While city officials praise the move as a step towards better representation, some critics, including Elon Musk, have expressed concern over non-citizens being given the authority to detain, arrest, and jail citizens.
Minneapolis is not alone in its efforts to diversify its police force by including non-citizens. Other states, including California, Colorado, and Illinois, are also considering or implementing similar measures to allow non-citizens to become police officers.
However, the move also raises questions about the traditional requirements for positions of authority within the government, particularly in law enforcement. Critics argue that citizenship has long been a fundamental requirement for such roles and that changing this standard could have unforeseen consequences.
In conclusion, Minneapolis has made history by swearing in its first non-citizen police officer, Lesly Vera, a Somali native and legal resident. This decision, supported by recent changes in state regulations, has been met with praise and criticism. The move reflects a growing trend in some states to diversify law enforcement by allowing non-citizens to serve as police officers, sparking a debate about representation, authority, and the evolving nature of American policing.
