Minneapolis swears in Mexican-born, non-citizen police officer

Vera had previously worked as a civilian community service officer while earning her law enforcement degree. She told MPR News of the process to become an officer, "I’m not going to say it wasn’t challenging, because it was. I was basically the guinea pig. Nobody knew where to start. I did everything that everybody else did, provided the documentation and everything that I needed to provide. And I also put in the work."

She told KSTP of what drove her to become an officer, "I didn’t see anybody that really looked like me, Latina. I want to have that face for my people."

Chief Brian O’Hara said of Vera, "There is a history in this country of people, immediately upon arrival to the country, enlisting in the military and serving." He said that Vera was allowed to join the force due to a recent state law change.

"And certainly, somebody like Lesly, who has been here essentially her entire life, absolutely is entitled to protect her community in the same way as anyone else here has, and we’re honored to have her. And my opinion: she should be at the top of the list when it comes to citizenship."

Minnesota Mayor Jacob Frey said in a statement, "Last night we had the honor of welcoming a new, diverse generation of Minneapolis Police Department officers. Our 23 new officers include the first Somali-American woman to join the department and the first permanent resident. A police service that looks like our residents is better able to serve our residents, and I couldn’t be more proud of the department we’re building under Chief O’Hara."

Also joining the ranks was the first Somali-American woman, Ikran Mohamed. Mohamed came to the US at the age of 10 from Kenya. She grew up in Faribault and worked as a correctional officer in Owatonna before applying to MPD.