Concealed-carry permit applications explode following anti-ICE violence

There often are after-effects when there is violence like the anti-ICE destruction that developed in Minnesota after the administration of President Donald Trump conducted a “surge” in the enforcement of the nation’s border and immigration laws, and arrested thousands of people.

Much of the focus was on the state’s Somali-immigrant community, where federal investigators also were looking into charges that billions of dollars had been scammed from taxpayers in a long list of social services fraud schemes.

A report from CBS confirmed that in January 2025 there were 4,734 requests for concealed carry permits, but in January 2026 that exploded to 8.240.

Gun shops reported holding many times as many classes and the experts there warned new gun owners to “practice, practice, practice” so they would be competent in using a firearm should the need arise.

At Breitbart, a report said the jump in gun ownership interest showed the “largest year-over-year leap since the pandemic.”

The Star Tribune observed, “The data, as well as interviews with gun store owners and gun safety instructors, indicate the increase is largely being driven by first-time buyers.”

The reports said the concern stems from violence and threats on the streets, ICE raids, and concern over the Second Amendment.