First Non-U.S. Citizen Joins Police Force

(PatriotNews.net) – Minneapolis has sworn in its first police officer who is not a U.S. citizen, according to reports. Lesly Vera, a Somali native, was officially sworn in as a member of the Minneapolis Police Department on Thursday. Vera, who wore a hijab during the ceremony, is a legal resident but has not yet become a U.S. citizen.

Vera came to the U.S. when she was four, arriving in Minneapolis with her family after first entering through Mexico. While she is not a citizen, she is authorized to work and has lived in the U.S. most of her life. Her appointment has sparked debate, but some officials are defending the decision.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said it was a positive move for the city. “Some might question this, but it’s ridiculous,” O’Hara said. “There’s a long history of immigrants serving this country in different roles, including the military. Officer Vera has lived here nearly all her life, and she has every right to protect her community like anyone else.”

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey also praised Vera’s swearing-in. On Facebook, he celebrated the diversity within the new group of officers. “Our 23 new officers include the first Somali-American woman and the first permanent resident in the department’s history. A police force that looks like our community is better able to serve it.”

The Somali community in Minneapolis is the largest in the U.S., having grown significantly since the 1990s. Many Somalis moved to the city for its social programs and the opportunity to live among fellow countrymen. However, the community has also faced challenges, including a recent fraud case involving millions in Medicaid funding tied to a local charity.

Vera’s opportunity to join the police force came after the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training changed its rules last year. The change now allows non-citizens to become police officers as long as they are legal residents and authorized to work.

Minnesota isn’t the only state doing this—California, Illinois, and Colorado are also considering similar laws. However, not everyone is happy with this trend. Elon Musk, among others, expressed concern online, comparing the decision to the fall of the Roman Empire.

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