local
Shifting travel rules, border restrictions leave many Minnesota Muslims afraid to perform Hajj
By Viktorie Spurná and Mohamud Farah at Sahan Journal
· July 16, 2026
· 6 min read
More than a million Muslims from around the world travel to Saudi Arabia each year to perform the multiday ritual of the Hajj or for shorter pilgrimages known as Umrah.
But those traveling from the U.S., including members of Minnesota’s Somali community, say the Trump administration’s travel b...
Key takeaway , including members of Minnesota’s Somali community, say the Trump administration’s travel bans, along with increased scrutiny at the border, have made all international travel, including this core spiritual journey, more challenging.
Why this matters in The Minneapolis
The concerns of Minnesota's Muslim community, particularly Somalis, about traveling for Hajj or Umrah pilgrimages have significant implications for the state's cultural and religious landscape. As one of the largest Somali populations in the US, Minnesota's community is deeply affected by the uncertainty and fear surrounding international travel. The cancellation of trips by local travel agencies like Ummah Travels during the holy period of Ramadan underscores the real-world consequences of shifting travel rules and border restrictions. For many Minnesota Muslims, the ability to perform Hajj or Umrah is not just a spiritual imperative, but also a cultural connection to their heritage and community. As the situation continues to evolve, it will be important to watch how local organizations, such as CAIR-MN and Dar El Salam, work to support and guide community members navigating the complex travel landscape.
About this story
Original reporting by Sahan Journal . The Minneapolis surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Sahan Journal . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 16, 2026 ·
Source: Sahan Journal ·
Reading time: 6 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? More than a million Muslims from around the world travel to Saudi Arabia each year to perform the multiday ritual of the Hajj or for shorter pilgrimages known as Umrah.
But those traveling from the U.S., including members of Minnesota’s Somali community, say the Trump administration’s travel b...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 16, 2026 by Sahan Journal and curated for The Minneapolis readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Viktorie Spurná and Mohamud Farah at Sahan Journal. To learn more about how The Minneapolis selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Minneapolis, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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