President Trump escalated his longtime feud with Representative Ilhan Omar to unprecedented levels, calling for her imprisonment or deportation to Somalia while linking her to an alleged $18-19 billion fraud scheme in Minnesota.
Story Highlights
- Trump posted on Truth Social demanding Omar be jailed or “booted to Somalia” over alleged fraud connections
- The attack coincides with ongoing ICE raids in Minneapolis targeting violent criminals amid protests
- Trump accused Omar and Governor Tim Walz of using protests to distract from massive state fraud
- Omar responded by calling ICE operations a “paramilitary force” conducting unlawful arrests
- Deputy Attorney General warns that anti-ICE rhetoric by officials approaches federal crime territory
Trump’s Explosive Social Media Accusations
Trump’s Truth Social post marked a dramatic escalation in his criticism of the Minnesota congresswoman. He branded Omar a “fake ‘Congresswoman'” who “married her brother” and suggested she belongs in prison or should be sent back to Somalia to “MAKE SOMALIA GREAT AGAIN!” The president directly linked her to what he claims is an $18-19 billion fraud scheme involving Minnesota’s Somali community, though no evidence of Omar’s involvement has been presented.
The timing of these accusations aligns with Trump’s broader immigration enforcement agenda. His administration has threatened to cut federal funding to sanctuary cities and states beginning February 1st, while pursuing citizenship revocation for naturalized immigrants convicted of fraud. This represents a significant expansion of presidential power against political opponents.
ICE Raids Spark Political Confrontation
The controversy centers on recent ICE operations in Minneapolis and St. Paul targeting what officials describe as “violent criminals” including murderers and drug dealers. Trump frames these raids as necessary law enforcement, while Omar and other Democrats characterize them as politically motivated harassment of immigrant communities.
Omar addressed the situation at a St. Paul field hearing, accusing Trump’s administration of deploying a “paramilitary force” that conducts “enforcement campaigns so indiscriminate that citizens are being swept up.” Her comments reflect growing tension between federal immigration enforcement and local Democratic leadership who oppose cooperation with ICE operations.
Legal and Political Implications Mount
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche issued a stark warning that anti-ICE rhetoric by elected officials comes “very close to a federal crime.” This signals the administration’s willingness to pursue legal action against political opponents who interfere with immigration enforcement. The threat represents an unprecedented use of federal criminal law to silence political dissent.
Omar’s status as a naturalized citizen adds another layer of concern to Trump’s deportation threats. Born in Somalia and arriving as a refugee at age 12, she became a U.S. citizen in 2000 before entering politics. Trump’s suggestion that she could be deported challenges fundamental assumptions about the permanence of American citizenship for naturalized immigrants who haven’t been convicted of crimes.
Sources:
Trump asserts Ilhan Omar should be jailed or booted to Somalia – Fox News
Minnesota’s sanctuary defiance has consequences – White House
