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Ilhan Omar Criticizes Federal Immigration Operation in Minneapolis

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota — Representative Ilhan Omar has sharply criticized the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement strategy in Minneapolis, describing the city as being effectively “under occupation” by federal authorities. She also called for the resignation or impeachment of Kristi Noem, accusing the Department of Homeland Security of allowing overly aggressive tactics.

Concerns Over “Operation Metro Surge”

Omar’s comments center on Operation Metro Surge, a federal initiative designed to target undocumented immigrants with criminal records. According to Omar, the operation has gone far beyond its original purpose and now resembles a paramilitary presence disrupting daily life in the city.

She raised several concerns:

Schools: Omar claimed many students are afraid to attend school due to the presence of federal agents nearby.
Healthcare: She also said some residents are avoiding hospitals out of fear that immigration officers may be present.

Speaking at a public event in Minneapolis, Omar said residents genuinely feel that their community is being treated like an occupied area.

Omar also criticized White House adviser Stephen Miller, blaming him for shaping immigration policies she believes are excessively harsh.

Fatal Incidents During Enforcement Actions

Tensions increased after two deaths connected to immigration enforcement operations.

Alex Pretti was killed during an incident on January 24 while reportedly interfering with federal agents. Some Customs and Border Protection officers had body cameras, but the complete footage has not yet been released.
Renee Good also died in a separate confrontation with immigration officers. Details about whether body cameras were used in that case remain unclear.

In response to growing criticism from political leaders including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Secretary Noem ordered that all federal immigration officers in Minneapolis must wear body cameras immediately.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz welcomed the decision but said the policy change came too late for those who had already lost their lives.

Growing Political Divide

The conflict in Minneapolis has become part of a wider national debate over funding for the Department of Homeland Security. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer indicated that Democrats may demand stricter conditions on immigration enforcement before approving long-term funding.

With a potential government shutdown approaching, disagreements between the White House and Congressional Democrats appear to be intensifying.

House Passes Major Defense Spending Bill

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act, approving approximately $901 billion in defense spending. The bill passed with a vote of 312–112 and now moves to the Senate.

Key provisions include:

A 4% pay raise for enlisted service members
Removal of certain diversity and equity programs in the military
Restrictions on reducing U.S. troop levels in Europe and South Korea
Oversight provisions related to military operations
New rules requiring companies to notify the Treasury Department when investing in certain high-risk technologies in China

House Speaker Mike Johnson highlighted the bill’s focus on strengthening national security while reducing unnecessary Pentagon spending.

Political Challenge and Fraud Allegations

At the same time, Republican congressional candidate John Nagel has accused Omar of having indirect ties to the Feeding Our Future fraud scandal, a large pandemic-era scheme involving misuse of funds meant to feed children.

Nagel argued that legislation Omar supported during the COVID-19 pandemic — designed to expand food assistance programs — helped create conditions that fraudsters later exploited.

However, Omar has not been charged with any crime, and authorities have not accused her of wrongdoing in the investigation.

Omar said the fraud occurred because many pandemic relief programs were created quickly, leaving limited safeguards in place.

Harsh Remarks From Donald Trump

Former President Donald Trump also recently criticized Omar during a public appearance, making controversial remarks about Somali immigrants that sparked backlash from critics.