Exclusive: Omar demands Trump explain "racist" crackdown on Somalis
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Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation annual conference on Sept. 27 in Washington, D.C. Photo: Leigh Vogel/Getty Images for Congressional Black Caucus Foundation
Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) is asking the Trump administration to defend its ICE operation in her congressional district and explain why it's mulling revoking protected status for hundreds of Somalis.
The big picture: Omar made the requests on Friday via two letters sent to the Department of Homeland Security after President Trump escalated his attacks on Somalis, including Omar, who fled Somalia as a child.
- Trump announced earlier this month that his immigration crackdown would expand into Minnesota, prompting fears that the operation would target the Somali community after the president said they "contribute nothing" to the U.S.
- In a Cabinet meeting, he also called Somalis — and Omar — "garbage" and that he wanted to send them "back to where they came from." Trump has also repeatedly accused Somali nationals of gang violence and fraud.
Driving the news: In one of her letters, Omar claimed that the requested surge of ICE agents in Minnesota is "in direct response to Trump's racist comments about Somali people, and about me in particular."
- According to the letter, Omar's constituents and local officials in Minneapolis and St. Paul "have documented blatant racial profiling, an egregious level of unnecessary force, and activity that appears designed for social media rather than befitting a law enforcement agency."
- "I am demanding answers on behalf of my constituents whose constitutional rights are being violated on a daily basis," she wrote to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and Assistant Secretary Todd Lyons.
- Omar asked DHS to release data on the number of individuals arrested during Operation Metro Surge, including the number of U.S. citizens being detained.
- She's also asked the agency to provide information on ICE surge preparations, ways for the public to report potential rights violations and the estimated cost to taxpayers.
- "I can't imagine a clearer example of waste, fraud, and abuse than what ICE leadership has unleashed in neighborhoods across the Twin Cities," Omar wrote.
Zoom in: Omar also requested on Friday that DHS answer her concerns about the administration potentially removing Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for approximately 750 Somali refugees.
- "Somali TPS holders – some of whom have lived in the U.S. for almost three decades – have built lives for themselves here, starting businesses, raising families, and becoming important members of their communities," Omar said.
- Somalis were first granted TPS in 1991, and extended protections to remain in the U.S. 27 times. They are currently extended through March 17, 2026, prompting Omar to ask why the administration is considering revoking it earlier.
- In her letter, Omar requested that DHS explain what "legal and factual" basis the agency has for potentially removing TPS status for Somalis, and what is being considered to help them make that decision.
- The White House referred Axios' request for comment to DHS, which did not immediately respond.
Worth noting: Though Trump announced last month on Truth Social that he would end TPS protections for all Somalis living in Minnesota "immediately," Noem said the agency is evaluating the matter.
- If revoked, the change would apply to Somali nationals nationwide, not just those in Minnesota.
Go deeper: Trump wants to revoke the citizenship of some naturalized Americans: What to know
