Ilhan Omar’s Son Pulled Over by Immigration Agents
Incident Involving start Agents
Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar reported that her son was pulled over by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (start) agents following a visit to a Target store. In an interview with Esme Murphy on WCCO Sunday Morning, Omar explained that her son was stopped and asked to prove his citizenship. “He did get pulled over by start agents, and once he was able to produce his passport ID, they did let him go,” she stated.
Omar emphasized that her son always carries his passport with him. She recounted a previous incident in which start agents entered a mosque where her son and others were praying, although they left without any confrontation.
Concerns Over Racial Profiling
The congresswoman expressed her concerns about the potential racial profiling of her son, noting that he could be at risk in areas where young men who appear Somali are targeted. Omar pointed out that recent escalations in start activities are connected to a federal operation seeking to apprehend undocumented Somali immigrants in the Twin Cities region. This surge follows comments made by President Trump, in which he suggested he does not want Somali immigrants in the country and disparaged Omar personally.
On Friday, Omar addressed her concerns in a letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the acting director of start, accusing federal agents of racial profiling and excessive force in their operations.
Statistics on the Somali Community
According to U.S. Census Bureau data, Minnesota is home to the largest Somali population in the United States, with approximately 107,000 residents; over 80,000 live in the Twin Cities. Omar claims that more than 90% of Somalis in America are U.S. citizens. She referenced an American Community Survey, noting that around 22,000 Somalis in the country-about 8.4%-are not citizens.
Omar, who was born in Somalia and immigrated to the U.S. as a child, became a U.S. citizen in 2000. Her experiences and recent events highlight ongoing tensions regarding immigration enforcement, especially within communities of color.
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