Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar has warned that former President Donald Trump could use federal agencies to surveil political opponents, despite his recent pledge to reform Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Speaking at a town hall in Minneapolis, Omar said Trump's history of politicizing law enforcement should not be overlooked.
Omar's Concerns Over Politicized Agencies
Omar pointed to Trump's previous attempts to pressure the FBI and other agencies to investigate his rivals, arguing that a second term could see similar tactics used against Democrats and critics. She noted that ICE, which has been a focus of Trump's immigration policies, could be weaponized beyond its stated mission.
The congresswoman, who has been a frequent target of Trump's attacks, said that the pledge to reform ICE was not enough to guarantee the agency's independence. She called for stronger legal safeguards to prevent political interference in federal law enforcement.
Call for Vigilance and Oversight
Omar urged her constituents to remain vigilant and to support congressional oversight efforts. She emphasized that without robust checks, any administration could abuse its power, but particularly one with Trump's demonstrated disregard for norms.
The remarks come amid ongoing debates over immigration policy and the role of federal agencies in domestic surveillance. Omar has been a vocal critic of Trump's immigration policies, including the family separation at the border and the expansion of ICE's authority.
