A Somali migrant, Abdimahat Bille Mohamed, is now facing federal charges related to a series of rapes, following a history of state court convictions that resulted in probation rather than prison time. The U.S. Department of Justice announced these federal charges on Thursday, detailing allegations of kidnapping a minor and multiple incidents occurring between 2017 and 2025.
According to the Justice Department, Mohamed has been implicated in at least five separate incidents of sexual violence. He was convicted twice in state court for rape, but in both cases, he received probation rather than a prison sentence. News outlet Fox 9 reported on the public outcry surrounding the leniency shown in these earlier rulings.
Details of the Allegations
During a recent appearance on “Fox and Friends,” Pam Bondi, the former Attorney General of Florida, emphasized the severity of Mohamed’s actions, noting, “He committed the rape of a child, a horrific rape, in 2017. Then he committed another rape in 2024.” Bondi highlighted that despite being convicted in state court, he was allowed to remain free on probation after both incidents.
Bondi elaborated on the timeline, stating, “He’s arrested in state court, lives in the Minneapolis area the entire time… he’s 28 years old.” The former attorney general confirmed that the federal government is now pursuing serious charges against Mohamed, including kidnapping and the rape associated with the 2017 case. She indicated that additional charges might be forthcoming as authorities continue to analyze his DNA, which is being processed through national databases.
The renewed federal focus comes amid broader efforts by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to address illegal immigration and criminal activity in the Minneapolis area. Recent investigations have revealed an alarming connection between some Somali immigrants and significant fraud schemes, including allegations of financing linked to Al-Shabaab, a designated terrorist organization.
State and Federal Reactions
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz acknowledged the challenges posed by crime in the state, admitting that Minnesota “attracts criminals.” However, he urged against demonizing the entire Somali community during an appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press.” This statement underscores the delicate balance between addressing crime and maintaining community cohesion.
Bondi pointed out that Mohamed’s case may not be isolated, suggesting that other individuals who have evaded serious consequences in state courts might also face federal charges. She remarked, “We’re finding out that all these criminals around the country were not properly prosecuted by liberal state courts, so we were able to charge him federally with a new case.”
The implications of this case extend beyond Mohamed himself, signaling a potential shift in how federal authorities approach crime that crosses state lines, particularly in communities with significant immigrant populations. As these developments unfold, law enforcement agencies are likely to intensify their scrutiny of unsolved cases linked to sexual violence in the area.
As the investigation continues, officials remain vigilant in addressing both the specific allegations against Mohamed and the broader issues of crime and immigration affecting Minnesota and the nation at large. The situation highlights the complexities of the legal system and the challenges faced by law enforcement in ensuring public safety.
