Minneapolis has made history by swearing in its first police officer who is not a U.S. citizen, Lesly Vera, a Somali native. This groundbreaking moment comes after new rules adopted by the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST), which now allow legal residents, not just U.S. citizens, to serve as police officers.

Vera, who took her oath of office on Thursday, becomes a significant symbol of inclusion as Minneapolis joins several states working to expand eligibility requirements for police officers, Breitbart reported.

Vera, a legal resident authorized to work in the United States, wore a hijab as she took the oath and received her badge in a ceremony that was both celebrated and criticized. Her swearing-in marks the first time a non-citizen has joined the Minneapolis Police Department under Minnesota’s revised POST regulations.

New State Rules Pave the Way

In 2023, the Minnesota POST Board changed its rules to allow legal residents to become law enforcement officers. This decision opened opportunities for individuals like Vera, who, while not U.S. citizens, meet the legal requirements to work in the country. Minnesota joins several states, including California, Colorado, and Illinois, that have pursued similar changes to expand their police recruitment pool.

Advocates see these adjustments as necessary, arguing that expanding eligibility helps diversify police forces and better reflect the communities they serve. Vera’s appointment directly results from this progressive policy shift, which aims to create a more inclusive law enforcement environment.

Vera Follows In The Footsteps Of Mohamed Noor

Vera is not the first Somali native to serve in the Minneapolis Police Department. In 2017, Mohamed Noor, a fellow Somali immigrant, made headlines after he shot and killed Justine Damond, an Australian woman, during a tragic incident.

Authorities later convicted Noor of manslaughter and sentenced him to 57 months in prison, sparking controversy and debate over police training and accountability in Minneapolis.

Though Vera’s swearing-in is distinct from the Noor case, many in the community still recall that event. Some critics have noted the parallels, expressing concern over the appointment of another Somali-born officer to the force.

Social Media Reactions To Vera’s Appointment

Social media users have reacted to Vera's appointment with mixed opinions. Many see her appointment as a milestone for inclusion and progress, while others have expressed concern about allowing non-citizens to serve in law enforcement.

Elon Musk, one of the most prominent voices to comment on the issue, compared Vera's appointment to the practices of the Roman Army, tweeting: "The Roman Army also increasingly relied on non-citizens." His comment has sparked a broader conversation about the role of non-citizens in positions of authority within the United States.

Expanding Police Eligibility Faces Criticism

Minnesota POST's decision to allow non-citizens like Vera to join the police force has faced criticism. Detractors argue that citizenship should remain a requirement for those serving in positions of authority, particularly in law enforcement, due to the sensitive nature of the job and the responsibility officers hold.

Nonetheless, those who view the change as a necessary step toward modernizing law enforcement have defended the new eligibility. Supporters believe that allowing non-citizens to serve in the police force will enhance the cultural competency of officers and improve relations between police and the immigrant communities they serve.

A Growing Trend In Other States

Minnesota is not leading this legislative shift alone. States like California, Colorado, and Illinois have already started or are in the process of passing laws allowing non-citizens to serve as police officers. Proponents argue that this change helps fill gaps in police recruitment at a time when many departments across the country struggle with staffing shortages.

In Minneapolis, including officers like Vera could be instrumental in building a more diverse police force capable of addressing the complex needs of the city's immigrant population.

As the city continues to address police reform following high-profile incidents involving law enforcement, Vera’s appointment may be seen as part of broader efforts to improve community policing and increase representation.

Looking Ahead: The Impact Of Vera’s Appointment

Vera's appointment marks a historic milestone, but she faces significant challenges in her new role. She not only bears the burden of being the first non-citizen officer in the Minneapolis Police Department, but she also navigates the pressures of serving in a city with a highly scrutinized law enforcement system.

As Minneapolis recovers from incidents such as the Noor case and the killing of George Floyd, Vera’s role within the department could shape the future of policing in the city. Her success or failure may influence future decisions about recruiting non-citizen officers in Minneapolis and beyond.

Both supporters and critics will undoubtedly watch Vera’s journey closely as she starts her new role. Her appointment opens a new chapter in the ongoing story of police reform in Minneapolis, and the city’s decision to welcome non-citizen officers could pave the way for further changes in law enforcement nationwide.