- The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) denied Rep. Ilhan Omar's claim that ICE agents stopped her son and demanded proof of citizenship, calling it a "PR stunt" with "zero evidence."
- Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons dismissed Omar's story as false, linking rising threats against ICE agents (1,150% increase in assaults, 8,000% spike in death threats) to inflammatory rhetoric from critics like Omar.
- Omar's spokesperson accused ICE of racial profiling and being a "rogue agency," demanding ICE release records while alleging the agency "disappears people" and can't maintain proper documentation.
- Critics, including conservative media, have long accused Omar of immigration fraud—including allegations she married her brother to facilitate his U.S. entry. Though unproven, President Trump recently reignited the claims, calling Omar “garbage” at a rally.
- The clash highlights deep divisions over ICE, with progressives like Omar pushing for its abolition while conservatives defend its enforcement role. DHS stressed ICE targets individuals based on immigration status—not race—amid escalating political tensions.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has denied claims by Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents pulled over her son and demanded proof of citizenship, calling her allegations a "PR stunt" with "zero evidence."
The dispute follows Omar's interview with a Minnesota CBS affiliate, where she described the alleged encounter, sparking backlash from ICE officials who insist no such stop occurred. The controversy unfolds amid heightened scrutiny of Omar's past immigration controversies and broader debates over ICE's enforcement practices.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), DHS categorically denied Omar's account: "ICE has absolutely ZERO record of its officers or agents pulling over Congresswoman Omar's son. With no evidence, it is shameful that Congresswoman Omar would level accusations to demonize ICE as part of a PR stunt."
Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons doubled down in remarks to Fox News Digital, calling Omar's claims "ridiculous" and accusing her of fueling hostility toward federal agents. Lyons cited a dramatic spike in threats against ICE personnel—1,150% more assaults and an 8,000% increase in death threats—which he linked to inflammatory rhetoric from critics like Omar.
Omar's spokesperson, Jacklyn Rogers, maintained the congresswoman's version of events, alleging racial profiling by a "rogue agency" and demanding ICE release its records.
"It's no surprise that an agency known for disappearing people also can't keep its records straight," Rogers said.
Omar's immigration controversies
The clash adds to Omar's long history of contentious remarks on immigration and law enforcement. Critics, including conservative journalists and activists, have accused her of leveraging her platform to undermine ICE while facing her own ethical questions.
In 2019, Alpha News and Powerline Blog reported allegations that Omar married her brother, Ahmed Elmi, to facilitate his immigration—a claim she denies. Though no formal charges were filed, the controversy resurfaced recently when President Donald Trump called Omar "garbage" at a Pennsylvania rally and reiterated the marriage fraud allegations. Omar dismissed the attacks as "creepy" and racially motivated, asserting her lawful path to citizenship at age 17.
ICE and immigration debates
The incident highlights the polarized debate over ICE's role, with progressives like Omar advocating for its abolition while conservatives defend its enforcement of immigration laws. DHS emphasized in its statement that ICE operates under constitutional standards: "What makes someone a target for immigration enforcement is if they are illegally in the U.S.—NOT their skin color, race or ethnicity."
Meanwhile, Omar has criticized Trump's rhetoric toward Somali immigrants, calling it divisive. According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, Trump claimed Somali refugees were "taking over" Minnesota—a state home to one of the largest Somali diaspora communities in the U.S.—at a recent rally. Omar countered that such rhetoric scapegoats an entire community for the actions of a few.
As DHS and Omar trade accusations, the dispute underscores deeper tensions over immigration policy, trust in federal agencies and the role of political rhetoric in shaping public perception.
Watch the video below where a Somali whistleblower confirms Omar married her brother.
This video is from JD Rucker's channel on Brighteon.com.
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