Jackson Free Press

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul will participate in a Department of Justice pilot program designed to detect American extremists who are looking to join terror organizations overseas.

U.S. Attorney Andy Luger told The Associated Press about the Twin Cities' participation during a Tuesday interview.

Authorities have said a handful of people have left Minnesota to join militant groups in Syria. At least one man has died while fighting for the Islamic State.

Luger says the program's goals are to stop recruiting, engage the community and build trust. Authorities have already been reaching out to members of Minnesota's large Somali community, but this pilot program will bring in more resources from Washington to help solve the problem.

Two other cities will also participate. They have not been publicly named.