Fox News commentator Tomi Lahren launched a vehement attack on Minnesota Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar, branding her “the perfect poster child for why we need a closed border.” This remark was made while co-hosting The Big Weekend Show on Sunday, following Omar’s criticism of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during a field hearing on immigration in St. Paul, Minnesota, on September 29, 2023.
At the hearing, Omar, who emigrated from Mogadishu, Somalia, and became a U.S. citizen in 2000, expressed her dismay at the current immigration policies, stating, “The one place where we thought we would never experience this is the U.S.” Lahren’s response was pointed, asserting that Omar exemplifies the need for stricter border controls, claiming that the congresswoman represents those who “have no respect for this country” and “no respect for our laws and those who enforce them.”
During her commentary, Lahren also referenced California Representative Eric Swalwell, who had recently vowed to revoke driver’s licenses from ICE agents if elected governor. She criticized Democrats for allegedly siding with undocumented immigrants over law enforcement. “Democrats are always on the side of the illegal aliens,” Lahren said, emphasizing the contentious nature of the ongoing immigration debate.
The video of Omar’s comments drew significant backlash, especially from conservative factions on social media. Far-right activist Laura Loomer called for Omar’s deportation, while Utah Republican Senator Mike Lee expressed outrage, suggesting that Omar should face treason charges. Disgraced former New York congressman George Santos also weighed in, asserting that Omar prioritizes Somali interests over those of the United States.
Omar has long been a controversial figure among conservative circles, particularly after she likened the current state of U.S. law enforcement to a dictatorship. In a previous statement, she remarked, “I grew up in a dictatorship and I don’t even remember ever witnessing anything like that,” criticizing the militarization of police and the erosion of constitutional rights.
The backdrop of this heated exchange is the recent killing of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother shot dead by an ICE agent in Minneapolis earlier this month. This incident has sparked widespread protests against ICE operations in the city, with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey vocally opposing the federal presence, demanding that ICE agents “get the f*** out” of his city.
In response to escalating tensions, former President Donald Trump dispatched approximately 3,000 ICE agents to Minnesota as part of a broader crackdown on undocumented immigrants. The situation has further intensified, with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz placing the National Guard on standby. The Department of Justice has announced an investigation into Frey and Walz, alleging they impeded federal law enforcement efforts.
Frey spoke out against the federal government’s actions during an interview on CNN, describing Minneapolis as “under siege” and criticized the DOJ’s investigation as “ridiculous.” The political climate surrounding immigration in Minnesota remains charged, with public sentiment sharply divided over federal policies and local governance.
This ongoing debate highlights the complexities and challenges of immigration policy in the United States, as figures like Lahren and Omar continue to shape the discourse from opposing sides.
