Rep. Ilhan Omar accused federal agents of “disappearing” her U.S. citizen son during a traffic stop that ICE says never happened.
The Allegation That Sparked a Federal Firestorm
Rep. Ilhan Omar told CBS affiliate WCCO that ICE agents stopped her son after he left a Target store in Minnesota, racially profiled him, and demanded proof of citizenship. Omar claimed her son, born in the United States, carries his passport everywhere due to fears of exactly this type of encounter. The congresswoman described the incident as part of ICE agents “disappearing” people, including American citizens.
Omar’s account painted a picture of rogue federal enforcement targeting Somalis in response to President Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric. She sent a letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem accusing ICE of racial profiling and excessive force, demanding answers about what she characterized as systematic harassment of her community.
ICE Fires Back With Zero Evidence
ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons delivered a swift and unequivocal response to Fox News, calling Omar’s claims categorically false. Lyons stated the agency conducted a thorough review and found “absolutely zero record” of any interaction with Omar’s son. He accused the congresswoman of making a “ridiculous effort” to demonize federal law enforcement without providing any evidence.
DHS amplified the denial on social media, labeling Omar’s statements a “shameful” and “disgusting” PR stunt. The department highlighted that false accusations against ICE agents have contributed to an alarming spike in threats, with assaults increasing 1,150% and death threats surging 8,000%. Omar’s spokesperson hit back, claiming ICE “can’t keep its records straight” and welcoming any review of agency documentation.
The Broader Context Behind the Confrontation
This clash unfolds against the backdrop of federal raids targeting Minnesota’s Somali community for welfare fraud. Investigators allege that Minnesota Medicaid and social service funds were funneled to Somalia and potentially to the terrorist group Al-Shabab. Minnesota hosts the largest Somali population in America, with approximately 107,000 residents, over 80,000 concentrated in the Twin Cities area.
President Trump’s renewed attacks on Omar and Somalis have intensified tensions. Trump called Omar “garbage,” revived allegations about her past marriages, and mocked Somalia as “the worst country in the world” during recent rallies. Omar directly links the alleged ICE surge to Trump’s “racist comments” about her community, claiming federal agents have become emboldened to target citizens and non-citizens alike.
When Politics and Law Enforcement Collide
The stalemate reveals deeper fractures between congressional oversight and executive enforcement. Omar positions herself as a victim and advocate against what she calls a “rogue agency,” while ICE leverages the absence of records as definitive proof of her deception. Neither side has provided independent verification such as video evidence, witness testimony, or third-party documentation of the alleged encounter.
The broader implications extend beyond this single incident. Omar’s escalation to claims of “disappearing” citizens raises serious allegations about constitutional violations, while ICE’s categorical denial questions the credibility of a sitting member of Congress. The welfare fraud investigations continue, but the overlay of alleged racial profiling complicates legitimate law enforcement efforts in communities already skeptical of federal authority.
Sources:
ICE Rejects Omar Claim Son Was Stopped, Pressed for Citizenship Proof
Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar says son pulled over by ICE
Omar Slams DHS for Accusing Her of Lying About ICE Apprehending Her Son
Your statement defending ICE would have a tiny bit of validity if the “gazettte” would
publish a factual statement. Instead the “gazette” publishes incendiary
statements. Knowing full well that ICE does racial profiling, hides their identity via masks and alludes to Medicaid fraud. None of the assertions anything to do with their function of identifying individuals who are verifiably criminals and within the US without proper papers.