Deported Uber driver Mahad Mohamud thought America was his safe place after years running from trouble back home. He drove nights in Minneapolis, made TikTok videos that got half a million followers, sent money to family. Then ICE knocked, six months in jail, and a plane ticket back to Mogadishu just as winter hit Minnesota hard. Deported Uber driver now hides in a friend’s house, scared al-Shabaab will spot his American accent or online fame and come calling.
The Story of One Deported Uber Driver and Many More
Mahad left Somalia over ten years ago, lived in South Africa till 2021, then made it to the US on asylum claim. He drove Uber, worked Amazon warehouses, built a life. His TikTok rants in Somali got big – almost 500,000 followers sending gifts that paid bills. But asylum got denied; judges said Somalia safe enough. Three months waiting decision, three more waiting deportation. Plane landed in Mogadishu last month, winter coat useless in the heat. Deported Uber driver Mahad now moves careful, staying low because jihadists watch returnees from the West.
He told BBC he lives with friends, doesn’t go out much. “Al-Shabaab thinks anyone from America is spy or rich target,” he said quiet. His clan welcomed him big at airport, politicians shook hands because of his fame, but that spotlight scares him more. Deported Uber driver worries the wrong eyes see his videos and think he has US money or connections.
He’s not alone. Five other young guys hide in the same house, all deported recent. They left their apartment because lease in their names – fear ICE traced it, but now in Somalia fear is different. No work for five days, scared to drive or show face. Deported Uber driver and his friends whisper about jihadists knocking doors, asking questions about America.
Trump’s Words That Lit the Fire
Last month Trump ended temporary protected status for Somalis, saying the country safe now. This month he called Somali immigrants “garbage” and said “go back to where they came from, their country no good for a reason.” In cabinet meeting he banged table, called Somalia “filthy, dirty, disgusting.” Deported Uber driver Mahad heard it on phone and felt the chill from far away.
In Minneapolis, Somali community – 80,000 strong – went quiet. Businesses closed early, Friday prayers half empty, kids kept home. ICE raids started, agents in streets. One shop owner said, “We pay taxes, drive your Ubers, clean your offices. Garbage? That’s how he sees us?” Deported Uber driver stories multiplied as more got papers or planes.
The Fear Back Home for Deported Uber Driver Types
Al-Shabaab controls patches outside cities, kidnaps returnees for ransom or recruits them by force. A guy with American clothes or accent stands out. Mahad says he changed his walk, talks less English on phone. “They think we bring bad ideas or money to steal.” Deported Uber driver now deletes old videos, stays off live streams.
His clan protects him some, but clans can’t be everywhere. One friend deported last year got grabbed for “Western ways,” paid ransom to get free. Deported Uber driver Mahad sleeps light, jumps at car sounds.
The Bigger Mess Trump Started
Trump paused visas from 19 countries, Somalia top list. TPS gone, thousands lose protection. In Minnesota protests filled streets, signs “We Are Not Garbage.” Ilhan Omar called it “obsession.” Even some Republicans stayed quiet. Deported Uber driver cases rise, families split, communities scared.
In Mogadishu, government called the words “unacceptable” but kept it diplomatic. President said focus on progress, not insults. But people on street angry. One elder said, “He sends us back to danger he doesn’t understand.” Deported Uber driver Mahad just wants quiet life, maybe start small business, but fear keeps him inside.
Hope in the Dark
Mahad’s TikTok fame helps some – local politicians offer jobs, fans send support. He plans careful content about readjusting, maybe help other returnees. Deported Uber driver dreams of driving again, but safe this time.
Trump’s words hurt, deportations scare, but Somalis tough. Deported Uber driver Mahad says, “America gave me hope, took it away. Somalia my home, I’ll make it work.”
Six months in jail, one plane ride, new fear. Deported Uber driver story is many stories now.
Read also: Arms Smuggling Claims: Somalia’s Strong Denial Hits Back
Somalia welcomes its sons, even when forced. But nobody should come home scared of shadows.
