Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar has publicly disclosed that her son was stopped by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minnesota over the weekend. The incident occurred amidst a controversial enforcement operation ordered by former President Donald Trump targeting the state's Somali population.
Details of the Traffic Stop and Mosque Visit
In an interview with broadcaster WCCO on Sunday, 26 May 2024, Representative Omar stated that her son was pulled over by ICE agents after making a stop at a Target store. The agents reportedly released him only after he produced his passport for identification. Omar noted that her son, whom she did not name, consistently carries his passport with him.
The congresswoman also revealed that earlier on the same day, ICE agents had entered a mosque where her son was praying. According to her account, the agents left the premises without any incident occurring during that visit.
Omar's Concerns Over Racial Profiling
Omar expressed profound concern following the encounters, stating she warned her son about the heightened risks. She accused the authorities of engaging in racial profiling, specifically targeting young Somali men in areas they frequent. "They are looking for young men who look Somali that they think are undocumented," Omar told WCCO.
The first-term congresswoman, who herself was born in Somalia and became a US citizen in 2000, is a frequent critic of the Trump administration's immigration policies. She has been a particular target for Trump, who recently launched a racist tirade against Somalis, calling them "garbage" and suggesting Omar should be expelled from the country.
'Operation Metro Surge' and Official Condemnation
The ICE activity is part of a wider initiative dubbed 'Operation Metro Surge', which has seen immigration agents deployed to Minnesota's Twin Cities area. The operation focuses on apprehending undocumented immigrants from Somali and Latino communities.
In response, Ilhan Omar sent a formal letter last week to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons. In the letter, she condemned the operation, alleging it has resulted in "blatant racial profiling" and "an egregious level of unnecessary force." She further criticised some actions as appearing "designed for social media rather than befitting a law enforcement agency."
Representative Omar, who has represented Minnesota's 5th congressional district since 2019, is the first Somali-American and one of the first Muslim women to serve in the US Congress. The ongoing tensions highlight the continued friction between progressive lawmakers and the previous administration's enforcement strategies.
