“ I Do Not Want to See a Police Officer ”: The Voices of Immigrants Following Police Violence in Minneapolis

Leso Munala (), Habiba Ibrahim, Heather Buesseler, Amanda Zenk and Mary Hearst
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Leso Munala: School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
Habiba Ibrahim: Social Work Department, St. Catherine University, St. Paul, MN 55105, USA
Heather Buesseler: Public Health Department, St. Catherine University, St. Paul, MN 55105, USA
Amanda Zenk: Public Health Department, St. Catherine University, St. Paul, MN 55105, USA
Mary Hearst: School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA

Social Sciences, 2025, vol. 14, issue 4, 1-15

Abstract: This study examines the pervasive and multifaceted nature of racism, police violence, and law enforcement mistrust among immigrant and refugee communities in the Twin Cities, with a focus on the Latinx, Somali, and Karen populations in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area following the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. In-depth interviews were conducted with 32 participants to understand their lived experiences. There were three key findings about the immigrant population’s perceptions and experiences, including experiences of racism, feelings of insecurity, and mistrust toward police. Participants from all three ethnic groups reported experiences of racism and expressed concerns about their safety explicitly related to their race. The findings reveal both shared experiences and unique challenges across the Latinx, Somali, and Karen communities, highlighting the intersection of race, immigration status, and systemic racism in shaping their perceptions of safety and law enforcement. While all three groups expressed fear, mistrust, and a desire for systemic change following the murder of George Floyd, the nuances of their experiences reflect the distinct ways in which racism and police violence manifest in their lives. These findings underscore the urgent need for addressing systemic racism and implementing measures to ensure the safety and well-being of immigrant communities.

Keywords: immigrant perceptions; Somali; Karen; Latinx; systemic racism; police violence; mental health (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A B N P Y80 Z00 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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