In a groundbreaking move, Minneapolis 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.
As reported by Breitbart News, Lesly Vera, a Somali native and legal resident alien, took her oath of office on Thursday, becoming the first non-citizen officer in the Minneapolis Police Department.
Vera, who arrived in the United States at the age of four, was seen wearing a hijab during the swearing-in ceremony.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara defended the decision to appoint a non-citizen officer, drawing parallels to the military service of immigrants. Mayor Jacob Frey expressed pride in the department's growing diversity, emphasizing the importance of a police force that reflects the community it serves.
The appointment of Vera was made possible by recent changes in Minnesota's police recruitment regulations. Last year, the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) modified its rules to allow non-citizens who are legal residents and authorized to work in the U.S. to serve as police officers.
This policy change reflects a broader trend, with states like California, Colorado, and Illinois also considering similar legislation to permit non-citizens to join their police forces. The move aims to diversify law enforcement and better represent the communities they protect.
Minneapolis, home to the largest Somali community in the United States, has been a focal point for Somali migration since the 1990s. The city's generous welfare programs and the opportunity for expatriates to live among their countrymen have been significant factors in attracting Somali immigrants.
The swearing-in of a non-citizen officer has triggered widespread discussion and criticism on social media. Among those raising concerns is Elon Musk, the head of X (previously Twitter), who questioned the idea of non-citizens holding authority over U.S. citizens.
Musk drew a historical comparison, noting that the Roman Empire similarly began to depend on non-citizens within its army during its decline.
Despite the controversy, Mayor Frey remains optimistic about the direction of the police department. He stated:
It's moving. It's emotional. I mean, I talked about the hope in the room, from a personal standpoint as mayor of the city, it gives me a lot of hope. Our police department is looking more and more like the communities that we are charged with protecting and serving.
The appointment of Vera comes against the backdrop of a complex history between the Somali community and law enforcement in Minneapolis. In 2017, the city faced controversy when Somali-native police officer Mohamed Noor was involved in the shooting death of an Australian woman responding to a 911 call. Noor was subsequently convicted of manslaughter and served a 57-month sentence.
Additionally, the Somali community in Minneapolis has recently been implicated in a significant Medicaid fraud case involving tens of millions of dollars stolen through a fake charity called Feeding Our Future, run by prominent local Somali residents.
In conclusion, Minneapolis has taken a bold step by swearing in its first non-citizen police officer, Lesly Vera. This move, enabled by recent changes in Minnesota's police recruitment policies, aims to increase diversity within the force. While the decision has sparked debate and criticism, city officials remain committed to building a police department that reflects the community it serves.
