Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) has condemned the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement actions in Minneapolis, labeling Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) an ‘occupying force’ that is terrorizing communities. Her comments, made on January 12, 2026, come amid heightened tensions following a fatal shooting by an ICE officer and a significant increase in federal presence in the city.
Omar articulated her criticism during an appearance on MS NOW’s ‘The Weekend,’ where she accused federal law enforcement of operating in a ‘lawless’ manner. She emphasized that ICE officers are being deployed not to ensure public safety but to instill fear, particularly in immigrant neighborhoods. This stance reflects growing concerns over the administration’s aggressive tactics, which have seen over 2,000 immigration officers sent to the Twin Cities as part of a broader crackdown.
The immediate catalyst for the controversy was the fatal shooting of Renee Good by ICE officer Jonathan Ross on January 8, 2026, in Minneapolis. Good’s death sparked outrage and protests, with local leaders arguing that the federal presence exacerbates violence rather than preventing it. In response, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced plans to deploy hundreds more officers to the city, citing the need to protect ICE and Border Patrol personnel.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, both Democrats, have publicly rebuked the federal intervention. Frey explicitly called for ICE to leave Minneapolis, stating that their actions undermine community safety and erode trust. Walz has echoed these sentiments, highlighting the strain on local resources and the negative impact on police-community relations.
Omar’s remarks are part of a wider Democratic effort to challenge the Trump administration’s immigration policies, which they view as politically motivated and harmful. She has also pointed to her own experience of being denied access to an ICE facility on January 10 while attempting to conduct congressional oversight, describing it as an infringement on her constitutional duties. This incident occurred as she and other lawmakers sought to investigate conditions within detention centers.
The situation has fueled ongoing protests in Minneapolis, with activists and residents rallying against perceived federal overreach. Videos show confrontations between protesters and heavily armed federal agents, further intensifying public anger. Omar joined these protests after being ejected from the ICE facility, aligning herself with grassroots movements opposing the crackdown.
Looking forward, the standoff between federal and local authorities remains unresolved, with potential legal and political ramifications. The events in Minneapolis underscore broader national debates over immigration enforcement and the balance of power between state and federal governments, setting a precedent for similar actions in other urban areas.
