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Representative Ilhan Omar, D-Minnesota, reported that her son was stopped by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minnesota on Saturday (December 13). Omar shared in an interview with WCCO that her son, who was born in the United States, was asked to provide proof of citizenship after being pulled over following a stop at Target. He was released after showing his passport ID.
Omar, a Somali American and the first Somali American congresswoman, expressed concerns about racial profiling by ICE agents in the Twin Cities area. She noted that her son was also approached by ICE agents at a mosque where he was praying. Omar stated, "They are looking for young men who look Somali that they think are undocumented."
The incident comes amid a wider immigration crackdown in Minnesota, ordered by President Donald Trump. This operation, known as "Operation Metro Surge," targets Somali and Latino communities in the area. Omar criticized the operation for its "blatant racial profiling" and unnecessary force,.
President Trump has made several derogatory remarks about Somali immigrants and has targeted Omar in his speeches. He has also taken steps to end temporary legal protections for Somalis living in the U.S. Omar, along with other Democratic lawmakers, has sent letters to the Department of Homeland Security requesting answers about these operations and protections.